One killed, three injured in crash on Interstate 80 in central Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — One person was killed Thursday in a crash that shut down Interstate 80 in central Nebraska for hours.

Shortly before 11 a.m., crews responded to multi-vehicle crash near the Holdrege/Elm Creek exit.

Due to construction, traffic in that area has been reduced to one lane in each direction.

The Nebraska State Patrol said the driver of a westbound pickup truck that was hauling an SUV lost control and crossed the center line.

The pickup hit and eastbound semi, according to the patrol, and the SUV it was towing came loose and hit another SUV.

Troopers, deputies, and rescue personnel are on the scene of a serious crash on I-80 near Elm Creek. Traffic is currently stopped.

I-80 traffic is being diverted at this time. WB must exit at Odessa MM263. EB must exit at Overton MM248. pic.twitter.com/K181TpqRcU

— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) June 19, 2025

Authorities said the driver of the pickup, a man from California, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV was flown to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Two other passengers were taken by ambulance.

The semi driver was not injured.

I-80 was closed for about 4½ hours. A Nebraska 511 camera showed traffic backed up.

This is a developing story.  Check with Channel 8 for updates.