Truck strikes duplex

The Newton police and fire departments responded to an accident at about 9:55 a.m. Monday in which a late-model pickup truck apparently left the roadway along South Eighth Avenue East in the 300 block, across from Newton High School, and struck a residential structure.

One man — the driver — was taken to Skiff Medical Center with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. His exact condition was not known at press time. Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik said the cause is under investigation. There were no other injuries. The house, a duplex, did not appear to suffer any serious structural damage.

The driver, Scott A. Pherigo, 60, of Newton, told police he was reaching for his phone and an envelope while traveling east on South Eighth Avene East. He swerved off the road onto the south shoulder, then came across the roadway, down a small incline and hit the duplex. He was cited for failure to maintain control and for not wearing a seat belt. The extent of his injuries isn't known.

Wellik said there was also an accident Friday morning along Interstate 80 westbound, just east of Exit 168, with one patient transported to Skiff Medical Center. The patient’s condition is not known. Wellik said the vehicle struck the cable barrier, reminded him of the many head-on collisions that occurred prior to the installation of the barrier.