Two Vehicle Injury Accident

DATE:  Tuesday, January 18, 2022           

LOCATION: US Highway 77 / Homestead Plaza Truck Stop

TIME: 3:30 pm              

OFFENSE: Two Vehicle Injury Accident

CASE: 2022-0215             

Two people injured in a two-vehicle accident on US Hwy 77 near the Homestead Plaza Truck Stop on Tuesday, 01-18-2022 at 3:30 pm.

On Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at approximately 3:30 pm, Gage County Sheriff’s deputies, along with Beatrice Fire, Beatrice Rural Fire, and Pickrell Quick Response Team were dispatched to a two-vehicle injury accident on US Highway 77 at the south entrance of the Homestead Plaza Truck Stop between West Hackberry Road and West Elm Road.  Nebraska Department of Roads Highway Maintenance Supervisor, James Lanningan also responded, assisting in traffic control.

The accident investigation revealed, a Red 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup driven by Lorenz Trauernicht (40) of Pickrell, while leaving the truck plaza, stopped at Highway 77 then proceeded to turn north onto Highway 77, failing to yield to a northbound maroon 2008 Hyundai Sonata, driven by Jennifer Vanek (40) of Beatrice.  The vehicles collided in the northbound driving lane, both coming to rest on the east shoulder.

Mr. Trauernicht reported no injuries while Ms. Vanek and her passenger, Hailey Dunbar (14) of Beatrice were transported to the Emergency Department at the Bryan West Campus, with non-life-threatening injuries.

Restraints were in use in both vehicles.  Driver’s side airbags deployed in both vehicles.  Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to have been a factor in the accident.  The investigation is ongoing.

Sheriff Millard W. Gustafson #903

Deputy Rob Sandersfeld #9032