Three-Vehicle Crash Causes Traffic Delays

(GRANT, Neb.) — A three-vehicle collision near Grant Friday morning resulted in significant damage and a large spill, temporarily disrupting traffic on Highway 23.

The Perkins County Sheriff’s Office responded at approximately 8:30 a.m. to the crash, which occurred just east of Grant near the asphalt batch plant.

According to the sheriff’s office, a semi tractor-trailer was stopped and facing westbound while waiting to turn into the plant. A pickup pulling a stock trailer was stopped behind the semi.

A second westbound semi hauling distiller’s grain was unable to stop in time and collided with the rear of the stock trailer. The impact caused a significant spill and resulted in a stoppage of traffic in the area.

The collision also damaged the pickup’s cab after its gooseneck trailer became unhitched. The vehicle’s safety chains remained connected, which officials said likely helped prevent more extensive damage. The front of the pickup subsequently struck the rear of the first semi-trailer.

Despite the severity of the collision, no injuries were reported.

A horse was the lone animal inside the stock trailer. The horse was transported to Perkins County Veterinary Hospital to be evaluated for possible injuries and stress following the crash.

Local emergency crews assisted with traffic control and scene operations. Grant Fire and Rescue and Madrid Fire & Rescue responded to assist, while the Nebraska Department of Transportation provided cleanup equipment. NDOT power brooms and water nozzles from Grant Volunteer Fire Department were used to help clear the roadway and clean up the spilled material.

The Perkins County Sheriff’s Office thanked the responding agencies and Perkins County Veterinary Hospital for their assistance in managing the crash and caring for the horse.

The incident serves as another reminder of the challenges created when large commercial vehicles, agricultural traffic and turning operations come together on rural highways, particularly near industrial and agricultural facilities.