A semi vs train accident forced the closure of Highway 23 for most of Monday night.

On October 22, 2018 Deputies were called to mile marker 50 (just east of Wallace, NE) on State Highway 23 for an injury accident. It was reported a semi-tractor trailer struck a train. Deputies arrived on the scene and found a semi, driven by 48-year-old Daniel Rollenhagen of Wallace, was westbound on Highway 23.

Deputies say Rollenhagen approached the railroad crossing and observed a train sitting on the tracks, completely blocking the roadway. He attempted to stop but could not avoid the collision with the train. This particular crossing does not have flashing lights or crossing arms.

At least two empty grain cars were pushed off the tracks and blocked the Highway for most of the night. The Nebraska Department of Roads responded to assist until the damaged cars could be removed. Mr. Rollenhagen was wearing his seatbelt but suffered what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries; he was transported to Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE. Drugs and alcohol were not suspected to be the cause of the accident. The investigation continues.