Shortly after 7:00am Wednesday, responders we called to the scene of a two-vehicle accident just north of McCook. Red Willow County Sheriff Kevin Darling says a Ford Explorer was traveling northbound on Highway 83. The driver briefly pulled to the shoulder due to a warning light and then attempted a U-turn from the shoulder.
Sheriff Darling says a semi with flatbed trailer was also traveling northbound a short distance behind the Explorer. As the Explorer was starting to turn on the Highway, the semi driver locked the brakes and swerved sharply to the left but, was unable to avoid a collision.
The driver of the Explorer was transported to Community Hospital in McCook for assessment. The driver of the semi was uninjured.
Damage to both vehicles were extensive and seat belts were in use.
Sheriff Darling thanked several members of the Work Ethic Camp personnel, McCook Police Department and McCook Ambulance for their response.
Sheriff Darling also offers a reminder to the public when approaching a scene in which emergency vehicles have their lights activated, “to pay attention to the safety of everyone”.
He continues that “what you are doing in that moment is not as important as the safety of those on the scene trying to serve others. You don’t need to rubberneck and unless specifically directed to drive through the scene, go around or wait”. Sheriff Darling expressed his appreciation “to those who do pay attention”.
