Fog Possible Cause Of Fatal I-80 Crash

(GRAND ISLAND, Neb.) — A 73-year-old Hastings woman was killed Thursday morning in a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 80 in Hall County.

According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the area of mile marker 312 at approximately 7:50 a.m. Aug. 20 for a reported fatality collision involving an SUV and a semi-truck.

A preliminary investigation indicates a 2012 Dodge Journey driven by Delores Roberts, 73, of Hastings, was traveling eastbound in the westbound passing lane of I-80 when it collided with a westbound 2019 International semi-truck.

Roberts was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators said she was wearing her seatbelt and the vehicle’s front airbag deployed.

The semi-truck was driven by 46-year-old Josh Wakefield of North Platte. Wakefield was transported to Grand Island Regional Hospital for evaluation of potential injuries. He was also wearing his seatbelt.

Alcohol is not suspected to have contributed to the crash. Investigators are considering extremely low visibility caused by fog as a possible contributing factor.

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said Roberts’ next of kin has been notified.

Hall County crash investigators remained at the scene and are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Assisting at the scene were the Nebraska State Patrol, Doniphan QRT, Grand Island Fire Department and the Hall County Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with questions regarding the investigation may contact Captain Chris Folkerts at the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.