Southeast Nebraska bridge collapses under ag equipment; herbicide dumped in creek

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Mead man was ticketed Wednesday after he crashed an agricultural sprayer into a southeast Nebraska creek.

Just before noon, deputies with the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office were sent to County Road D between County Roads 12 and 14, just northeast of Palmyra.

Investigators said an agricultural sprayer was crossing a wooden bridge on County Road D when the bridge collapsed.

The sprayer rolled into a creek, causing a chemical release from the tank, officials said in a press release.

According to investigators, the sprayer — combined with 130 gallons of herbicide — exceeded the weight capacity of the bridge.

The sheriff’s office posted on Facebook saying the road was closed to through traffic.

The driver of the sprayer, a 59-year-old man from Mead, was not injured but was cited.

Officials said the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is overseeing the crash cleanup.

According to the sheriff’s office, the crash is still under investigation.