Semi totals NSP unit near Elm Creek in winter storm, no injuries reported

ELM CREEK, Neb. (KLKN) – A semi crashed into a Nebraska State Patrol Unit Friday night near Elm Creek, Nebraska.

According to NSP, just before 9 p.m. on I-80, troopers responded to a crash where an eastbound semi had lost control, crossed the median, and struck another semi and a Chevrolet Traverse.

The driver of the Traverse was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital and has since been released.

While responding to that crash, a trooper parked his patrol unit in the median. Another semi then jack-knifed while approaching the crash and struck the patrol unit, totaling the vehicle.

NSP says the trooper was not inside of the vehicle at the time of the collision and was not injured, nor was the semi-driver that hit the patrol unit.

The entire crash scene was blocked in both directions on I-80 for approximately three hours Friday evening.

Troopers responded to over 150 weather-related incidents during the winter storm.

In total, NSP responded to 35 crashes, performed 117 motorist assists, and assisted other agencies in 29 incidents. Authorities said approximately half of those incidents occurred after 6:00 p.m. Friday.

“We are extremely thankful our trooper was not injured. This incident could have been tragic,” Colonel John Bolduc said. “This is a prime example of why we plead with motorists to slow down in winter driving conditions.”