A multiple vehicle crash on westbound Interstate 80, near Brule Nebraska on Sunday, July 31, claimed five lives and injured several others.
The crash occurred in a construction zone, approximately four miles west of Brule, just before 11:30 a.m., (MDT). Troopers investigating the crash, say a semi was westbound on I-80 when it struck the rear of a westbound van. The force of the collision pushed the semi and the van into three other passenger vehicles. Both the semi and the van involved in the initial crash were engulfed in flames. Five people in the van were killed.
Six people were transported to Ogallala Community Hospital. Three were then flown to hospitals in Colorado. Extent of injuries of those transported is unknown.
The driver of the semi was transported to the Sedgewick County Hospital in Julesburg, Colo., where he was treated and released. Upon his release from the hospital in Julesburg, the driver of the semi identified as Tony A. Weekly, 53, Baker, Florida, was lodged in the Keith County Corrections on charges of motor vehicle homicide.
The names of the fatalities and injured are not being released at this time, pending notification of family.
Ten miles of Interstate 80 both east and west bound was closed for approximately six hours. The Nebraska State Patrol was assisted by the Keith County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department and Fire and Rescue units from Ogallala, Big Springs and Brule Police.
