A car-semi trailer truck crash on westbound Interstate 80 near Ogallala has claimed the lives of a Wisconsin couple.

The crash occurred Thursday, March 22 just before 10:00 a.m., (MDT), on I-80, 1.5 miles east of the Ogallala Interchange. Troopers investigating the crash say the driver of a 1992 Buick sedan was eastbound on I-80 when he lost control of the car while attempting to pass a semi. The car crossed the median and slid into the westbound lanes of I-80 where it was struck on the driver’s side by a westbound semi trailer truck.

The driver of the Buick, Michael J. Phillips, 69, and his wife, Joann L. Phillips, 62, both of Manitowoc, Wis., were killed in the crash.

The driver of the semi, Tacy M. Balkcom (FM), 55, Adairsville, Ga., and a co-driver, Michael I. Balkcom, 42, Adairsville, Ga., were not injured in the crash.

Seat belts were in use by both drivers and the passenger in the sedan. The crash closed westbound lanes of I-80 for approximately three hours.