Fatal MVA on Kearney Overpass

(KEARNEY, Neb.) — A crash between a flat-bed pick up and a semi hauling a trailer resulted in the death of one person Thursday. Officers on scene at the 30th and M Avenue overpass, shut it down in both directions while responding to the accident.

The City of Kearney released the following statement today.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, at approximately 3:26 p.m., the Kearney Police Department, along with CHI Good Samaritan Hospital EMS, the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 2600 block of Avenue M on the M-N Overpass (north side).

Preliminary investigation indicates that a flat-bed pickup truck traveling northbound on the M- N Overpass collided with a southbound semi-truck and trailer. The occupant of the flat-bed pickup truck was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The deceased has been identified as 48-year-old Joel Lungrin of Axtell, Nebraska, who was the driver of a 1979 Ford flatbed pickup.

The investigation to this point has revealed that the northbound 1979 Ford pickup left its lane, crossed left of center, and collided with the front of a southbound 2024 Volvo semi-tractor and trailer. The pickup impacted the driver’s side front of the semi, causing significant damage and resulting in both vehicles being totaled. The driver of the 2024 Volvo, owned by Food Bank of the Heartland out of Omaha, was transported to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital and later released.

This incident represents a tragic loss for our community. The Kearney Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lungrin during this difficult time. Incidents like this are felt throughout the entire community, and we ask that the public keep all those affected in their thoughts.

The crash remains under investigation by the Kearney Police Department with assistance from the Kearney/Buffalo County Fatality Accident Investigation Team (F.A.I.T.), Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division. The joint F.A.I.T. team is working diligently and thoroughly to complete this investigation. An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney.

No additional information is being released at this time. Check out our web site at http://www.cityofkearney.org. Point of Contact: Kevin Thompson – Operations Captain