Four people lost their lives in four crashes on Nebraska roads over the weekend, making for a deadly start to the month of November.

Fatality crashes occurred in Douglas, Hall, Richardson and Seward Counties resulting in the deaths of three drivers and one passenger.  Authorities were able to determine that of the four people killed, one was wearing a seat belt.

“Today we have four families dealing with the loss of a loved one as the result of a traffic crash,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We all know, one life lost in a crash is one too many. We encourage all motorists to help us prevent roadways deaths through voluntary compliance will all traffic safety laws.”

Of the four crashes, the Nebraska State Patrol investigated a car- semi crash on Interstate 80, near the Alda exit. The crash involving an eastbound 1999 Honda Accord and a westbound semi-trailer truck occurred at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 2.  The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the car lost control when the vehicle blew a tire. The car crossed the median and struck a westbound semi. The force of the collision caused both vehicles to roll, ending up in the north ditch. The front seat passenger in the car, Abdifatah Ahmed, 30, of Grand Island, died at the scene of the crash. He was wearing a seat belt.  The driver of the car and a backseat passenger were transported to St. Francis Medical Center, before being transferred to Bryan Trauma Center in Lincoln with critical injuries. Two others in the car were transported to St. Francis Medical center. The driver of the semi was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

The three other fatality crashes were worked by the Sheriff’s Departments in Douglas, Richardson and Seward Counties.

The four fatalities bring the total number of fatalities on Nebraska roads to date in 2014 to 192, compared with 179 on this same date in 2013.

Col. Sankey said, “We need your help to save lives on our roadways, always wear your seat belt, obey the posted speed limit and never drive impaired or distracted.”