GIBBON, NE : 3 dead, 2 injured following crash near Gibbon on Friday, 23rd September 2016

Three people were killed and two other injured in a multiple vehicle crash Friday on Interstate 80 near the Gibbon interchange.

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, at 4:22 p.m. Friday, an eastbound semi truck in the driving lane blew a tire as it was being passed by a 2013 Chevy Silverado pickup one mile east of the Gibbon exit. The semi struck the Silverado, causing both vehicles to go into the median and into the westbound lanes of traffic. The semi struck the rear of a second, westbound semi before it continued down the westbound lane and struck a 1989 Chevy K1500 pickup.

The impact caused the 1989 Chevy to roll into the ditch where it burst into flames. The first semi also rolled on to its side and caught fire.

The Chevy Silverado came to rest in the westbound driving lane. The second semi involved in the crash continued on, stopping at the Gibbon exit.

The crash claimed the lives of the driver of the first semi and the driver and passenger in the 1989 Chevy. Due to the fiery nature of the crash, autopsies will be required to determine identification. The names of the deceased will be released upon completion of the autopsies and notification of next of kin.

The driver of the Chevy Silverado, Terry Purcell, 60, and passenger Linda Purcell, 55, both of Carter Lake, Iowa, were transported via ambulance to CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the second semi, Jake Hofer, 42, of Lynden, Wash., was not injured.

The crash closed portions of I-80 for nearly 4 ½ hours.

The Nebraska State Patrol was assited by the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, and Gibbon and Shelton fire and rescue units.

Source :
3 dead, 2 injured following crash near Gibbon