Des Moines police confirmed that a multi‑vehicle crash on University Avenue at the intersection with Sixth Avenue resulted in multiple injuries on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred near the MercyOne downtown hospital, causing a temporary shutdown of the roadway and significant traffic delays throughout the downtown corridor.
Details of the crash
According to the Des Moines Police Department, emergency responders arrived on scene shortly after the crash was reported. Several drivers and passengers were treated for minor injuries and transported to nearby medical facilities, including MercyOne, for further evaluation. No fatalities have been reported at this time.
Police have not yet released information about the specific cause of the collision. Investigators are reviewing dash‑cam footage, witness statements, and vehicle evidence to determine whether factors such as speed, distraction, or road conditions contributed to the accident.
Impact on downtown traffic
The blockage of University Avenue forced motorists to seek alternate routes, leading to congestion on adjacent streets such as Grand Avenue and the I‑35 corridor. The Des Moines Department of Transportation issued a brief advisory urging drivers to allow extra travel time and to follow detour signs posted by police officers on site.
Local businesses along University Avenue reported a temporary dip in foot traffic as commuters navigated around the incident. The downtown area, which hosts a mix of restaurants, offices, and cultural venues, relies on smooth traffic flow to support both residents and visitors.
Community response and safety reminders
Community leaders and neighborhood associations used the incident as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, especially in high‑traffic downtown zones. “We ask everyone to stay alert, obey speed limits, and avoid distractions while navigating our city streets,” said a spokesperson for the Des Moines Police Department.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or unsafe driving behavior to the police non‑emergency line. The department also reminded drivers that the city has a robust network of traffic cameras and that violations captured on video can result in citations.
Next steps
Police will continue their investigation and release a formal report once the cause of the crash is determined. In the meantime, the intersection remains open, and traffic flow is expected to normalize within the next few hours as cleanup crews remove debris and assess any damage to road infrastructure.
Motorists traveling through downtown Des Moines are advised to stay informed through local news outlets and the city’s traffic alert system for any further updates.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
