Kearney, NE : Ogallala woman killed in a fatal crash on Interstate-80 near Kearney on Tuesday night, Nov 24, 2015

An Ogallala woman was killed Tuesday night in a fatal crash on Interstate-80 near Kearney.

The driver of an eastbound semi-trailer truck lost control of his rig and his semi slid into the median and jackknifed, Nebraska State Patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins said.
The driver of an oncoming, westbound 2008 Saturn Ion hit the brakes and lost control, slid into the median and crashed into the jackknifed semi.

The roads were snow covered at the time of the crash, Collins said. State troopers responded just after 8:30 p.m.

Irene Stierwalt, 55, of Ogallala, a passenger in the backseat of the car, was killed.

The driver of the car, Bridgette Robinett, 19, of Torrington, Wyo., and two other passengers, Sheldon Baltzell, 20, of Bayard, and Leslie Wray, 43, of Ogallala, were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the semi, Bryan Boyer, 55, of Eden, Ohio, was not injured.

A seat belt was in use by the semi-driver, but no one in the car was wearing a seat belt, Collins said.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Elm Creek Volunteer Fire and Rescue as well as the Good Samaritan Ambulance Service responded to the scene. Collins said the investigation into the crash continues.

Motorists traveling during winter conditions are reminded to keep up-to-date about weather and road conditions by utilizing 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System.

The system can be accessed by dialing 511 or online at www.511.nebraska.gov. A Nebraska 511 mobile app is also available to download at no cost for smartphone users. Search your app provider for Nebraska 511.

As conditions change, motorists are reminded to adjust their speed and never travel faster than conditions allow. Slick surfaces make it difficult to steer and stop. Do not drive in slick, wet, snowy weather with your cruise control on.

Motorists are also encouraged to give themselves plenty of time and distance to react to others. Be sure to exercise caution on bridges and overpasses, keep your headlights on and make sure they are cleaned off.

Source :

Ogallala woman killed in I-80 crash