Columbus, NE – A two-vehicle crash involving a minivan and semi-trailer injured a woman and two children Sunday and closed Highway 81 for more than 4.5 hours north of Columbus.
According to the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 2:30 p.m. Sunday to Highway 81 about a half-mile south of 265th Street, approximately 4.5 miles north of Columbus.
Investigators said a 2017 Toyota Sienna driven by a 57-year-old Lincoln woman was traveling south when she allegedly lost control as the highway curved north.
The minivan entered the west ditch before crossing both southbound lanes and the center median, authorities said. It then collided with a northbound flatbed semi-trailer pulled by a 2004 Freightliner.
The woman and two minor children were transported by Columbus Rescue to Columbus Community Hospital with minor injuries. All three were treated and released, according to the sheriff’s office.
The 33-year-old semi driver, from Elk Grove Village, Illinois, was not injured.
Authorities said both drivers and all passengers were wearing seat belts. Alcohol was not considered a factor in the crash.
The Sienna and semi-trailer were both declared total losses, while the semi-tractor was not damaged, according to the sheriff’s office.
Highway 81 remained closed for more than 4.5 hours as crews cleaned the scene and removed the vehicles.
The Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Roads and Columbus Rescue assisted.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Platte County Sheriff’s Office at 402-564-3229 or Platte County Area Crime Stoppers at 402-563-4000.
