(NSP PRESS RELEASE – additional reporting by Dan Lucero)

(Ansley, Neb.)- Three people have been killed and nine others transported in a crash involving a Broken Bow Public School van and a pick-up truck.

The crash occurred just before 4:00 p.m., Friday, June 1, about one mile west of Ansley on Highway 2. Troopers say the preliminary investigation indicates a pick-up traveling east on Highway 2 crossed left of center and struck a westbound 2009 Ford Econoline Van, registered to Broken Bow Public Schools.

The male driver of the pick-up, 70 year-old Albert Sherbeck of Ansley, was killed. The male driver, 28 year-old Zane Harvey of Broken Bow, and male front seat passenger, 24 year-old Anthony Blum of Broken Bow, in the school van were also killed. Nine students in the van were transported to area hospitals. Three were treated and released, and six remain hospitalized as of Friday night with the nature of their injuries undisclosed.

Harvey and Blum were basketball coaches at Broken Bow High School. The students involved were all members of the boys basketball team.

The Nebraska State Patrol is being assisted at the scene of the crash by the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, as well as rescue personnel from Ansley, Broken Bow, Mason City and Merna.