Accident south of McCook on Hwy 83

McCook dispatch received a call reference a non-injury accident, south of McCook on Hwy 83 between mile marker 6 or 7. RWCSO responded requesting Western Rural Fire for traffic control. On approach it was obvious that more help was needed. Traffic was stopped in both directions. One of the vehicles was sideways in the road blocking traffic. Subjects were contacted while working through the scene to sort through what had happened. One of the subjects involved was contacted without much information as this driver wasn't exactly sure what happened but the van, sitting in the highway, hit the semi, then this subject hit the van. The Semi wasn't visible yet, but the driver of the van was contacted. He was very agitated, he didn't appear well, he appeared to be in shock. Dispatch was contacted to send the ambulance for this subject. 

Dispatch was also requested to send any troopers in the area and a deputy to further assist with traffic control. Several bystanders were contacted for additional information working south through the scene. A female driver was contacted that was also involved, being struck by the semi, which I still hadn't seen with all the vehicles on the road. Eventually the semi, that had been hauling distiller's grain was located further south. The semi-trailer was twisted, and the contents spilled into the milo field on the east side of the highway. The front of the Semi was inaccessible to assess the damage due to its location and its position in the distiller's grain spillage, the trailer was totaled. The semi driver was located for his story. In talking with him it was noted he was in discomfort and some bleeding around his ear, when the ambulance arrived, the Medics were directed to the second patient. 

With all the pieces, the following is how the event unfolded. Vehicle #1, the van had been weaving back and forth, for a several miles. The semi, Vehicle #2 was southbound into the area. The scene verified that vehicle #1 crossed 

the centerline striking vehicle #2 and continued to rub down the side of the trailer. Vehicle #1 skidded, because of the now missing driver's side front wheel, further into the southbound lane then back right into the northbound lane. Vehicle #3 is directly behind Vehicle #1, the van, and was northbound and when Vehicle #1 came to rest in the northbound lane. Vehicle #1 locked 

up her brakes but was unable to avoid Vehicle #1 and struck the passenger side front, pushing it in an arc back to the west. After Vehicle #2 was impacted he started braking, the grain splashed out of the trailer as the unit continued southeast across the highway toward the east ditch. Vehicle #4 was behind vehicle #3 stopped when the accident happened in front of her. Vehicle #2 struck the driver's side rear corner of Vehicle #4 and continued into the east ditch. Vehicle #2 started up the incline to the milo field as the trailer was sliding slightly sideways when it struck the embankment tearing the trailer apart and throwing the distillers grain into the field to the east. 

Drivers #1 and #2 were transported. Driver #3 refused treatment against advice, driver #4 was uninjured. 

Thanks again to the assistance of McCook Dispatch, McCook Fire and Rescue, Nebraska Department of Roads and Western Rural Fire as well as my staff. I also appreciated the patients of those motorists that waited until we could safely allow them to proceed. 

An additional note. Driving through this area in the future merits being on high alert as the distiller's grain will attract deer into the area causing additional concerns. Please pay attention. 

Sheriff Kevin Darling