A loaded grain semi-truck and a Cadillac SUV slammed into each other head-on just north of 868th Road in Pierce County around 12:45 p.m. Monday, triggering an explosion and fire that stretched across nearly a quarter-mile of roadway. Both drivers were critically injured, and a seven-mile stretch of Highway 81 stayed closed for hours as crews worked the scene.
Semi Driver Swerved to Avoid Oncoming SUV
According to norfolkdailynews.com, the southbound semi tractor-trailer, loaded with grain, steered to the right in an attempt to avoid a Cadillac SUV that had crossed the center line. The two vehicles collided anyway, and the impact set off the explosion and fire that spread across the quarter-mile stretch of highway. As first reported by Panhandle News Channel Nebraska, both drivers were flown to Omaha in critical condition following the wreck.
Both drivers remained in critical condition as of 7:30 p.m. Monday, the outlet reported. Despite the severity of the crash, authorities said both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of impact.
Bystanders Stepped In Before Help Arrived
Two bystanders trained in CPR began chest compressions for the semi driver and kept at it until emergency personnel arrived on scene, the report notes. The semi driver was then taken by ground ambulance to Faith Health in Norfolk before being transferred by LifeNet helicopter to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The Cadillac driver was flown directly to the Omaha hospital.
Highway Closed for Hours, Sheriff's Office Leads Investigation
The seven-mile stretch of Highway 81 between Highways 20 and 59 was shut down to traffic until about 4 p.m. Monday as crews cleared the scene and continued their work. Per the same account, Pierce County Attorney Ted Lohrberg said the Pierce County Sheriff's Office led the investigation into the crash.
The stretch of highway has seen serious collisions before. A southbound semi-tractor and trailer, owned by Alter Trading Corp. and driven by Billy Eby, 80, of Neligh, crossed left of center and struck a northbound vehicle, injuring both drivers in that incident as well.
