Authorities say a driver involved in a three-vehicle accident near Sutherland is suspected of  under the influence of alcohol.

At around 6:14 pm, on November 23, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies and Nebraska State Patrol Troopers responded to the report of a multi-vehicle accident near Mile Marker 153 on US Highway 30.

Deputies arrived and discovered that three vehicles were involved, and multiple people had sustained injuries.

An investigation showed that 68-year-old Danilo Rivera, of Los Angeles, was traveling eastbound when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck a vehicle traveling in the westbound lane, driven by 53-year-old Debra Holz of Paxton.  Officials say Holz’ vehicle was forced into the ditch, and Rivera’s vehicle stayed on the roadway.

An eastbound vehicle, driven by 31-year-old Melissa Kendall, of Sutherland, then struck Rivera’s vehicle.

According to deputies, Rivera suffered multiple serious injuries and was transported to Great Plains Health before being flown to a Denver-area hospital.  He was not wearing a seatbelt.

It was reported that Holz and Kendall were also injured, but their injuries were deemed to be non-life threatening.

Investigators say they believe Rivera was under the influence of alcohol, but the investigation is ongoing.

No charges have been filed at this time.