LINCOLN, Neb. (North Platte Post)- Three people were killed in two separate crashes as wintry weather pushed across the state on Thursday.
A car-pickup crash on Highway 30 near Silver Creek in Merrick County claimed the life of two Madison teens. Just after 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 8, the driver of a 2008 Dodge Avenger lost control of the car. The car slid sideways into the westbound lane where it was struck broadside by a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup.
The front seat passenger, David Romero, 17, and a backseat passenger, Juan Manuel, 18, were killed in the crash. The driver of the car, Trae Deeder, 17, and backseat passenger Juan Raynaga, 18, were transported to a Columbus hospital with non-life threatening injuries. All of the vehicle’s occupants were from Madison. The driver of the pickup, Luis Lasso, 43, of Columbus was taken to a Central City hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Weather is believed to have played a role in the crash. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
67 year old Olin B. Kicklighter of Sacramento, CA was killed in a crash involving his SUV and two semi trailer trucks on Interstate 80 near the Kearney interchange.
Around 11:16 p.m., Thursday, a 2001 Ford Expedition pulling a trailer was eastbound on Interstate 80 when it was struck from behind by an eastbound semi. The impact caused the SUV to jackknife. The SUV was then struck on the driver’s side by a second semi.
The driver of the semi that rear-ended the SUV, Martin R. Feeney, 63 of Bloomington, IL was lodged in the Buffalo County Detention Center on a charge of vehicular homicide.
The Nebraska State Patrol reminds all motorists to exercise caution during winter driving months. Motorists are encouraged to allow plenty of following distance between their vehicle and those around them, never drive faster than conditions allow and always wear your seat belt. Setting aside additional travel time is also advised during inclement weather.
Motorists can check the latest condition report by utilizing 511 the state’s Advanced Traveler Information System. The number is operational 24/7. The system can also be accessed via the internet at < www.511.nebraska.gov >. Travelers outside of Nebraska wanting to check weather and road conditions in our state can dial 1-800-906-9069.