Man flown to Lincoln hospital after rollover crash in Columbus

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A man was seriously injured Monday and flown to Lincoln after a crash in Columbus, police say.

The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of 20th Street and 28th Avenue around 5 p.m.

Police say a Cadillac was heading west when it struck a southbound Chevy driven by Karl Wlaschin, 81, in the intersection.

When officers arrived, they found Wlaschin’s vehicle lying on its top. He was inside, motionless and not breathing, according to police.

Wlaschin was pulled from the vehicle and taken to Columbus Community Hospital before being flown to Bryan Health in Lincoln for further treatment.

“The efforts from officers on scene, the paramedics and the staff at Columbus Community Hospital in caring for Mr. Wlaschin may have saved his life,” Police Chief Doug Molczyk said in a press release. “Great job by all those involved in the response.”

Police did not say whether the driver of the Cadillac, 54-year-old Darla M. Orender, was injured.

An investigation is ongoing.

Wlaschin is still recovering from his injuries, according to police.