NORTHWOOD — A 54-year-old Northwood man received serious injuries early this morning after his car was struck from behind by a semi on Interstate 35.

Thomas Toye was reportedly flown by Mayo One helicopter to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

The extent of his injuries are unknown.

According to the State Patrol, Toye was driving a 1993 Ford station wagon southbound on I-35 near milepost 216 when a 2005 Volvo semi, driven by Leonard Rutherford, 59, of St. Louis, reportedly hit him from behind and was pushed into the median.

The crash reportedly took place at 3:05 a.m., and both vehicles were in the right lane.

Rutherford allegedly told authorities he didn’t see any tail lights on the station wagon.

Reports stated Toye’s life was likely saved by wearing his seat belt.

The crash remains under investigation.