Crash alert: Semi driver dies in collision with pickup in Grand Island

GRAND ISLAND, NE – A truck driver was killed when his vehicle collided with a pickup truck at an intersection in Grand Island on Monday morning.

KSNB reported the crash occurred in the area of Highway 281 and Highway 34 at about 11:15 a.m. According to police, the pickup truck was making a left turn onto Highway 34 when it struck a northbound semi, which then hit a pole and overturned. The pickup also hit two other vehicles.

The semi driver, identified as 75-year-old Merle Liewer of Atkinson, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup, 24-year-old Nicholas Monferdini of Grand Island, sustained injuries that were not life-threatening and was taken to a hospital.  The other two drivers suffered what were believed to be minor injuries.

The wreck caused the semi to leak liquid fertilizer from a tank and emergency crews were dispatched to the scene for the cleanup, which caused the intersection to be partially shut down.

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the crash.

Have you lost someone you love in a motor vehicle accident due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness? If so, the compassionate Nebraska wrongful death lawyers at Rensch and Rensch would like to discuss your case with you. We have 50 years of combined legal experience helping families get the justice and fair compensation they deserve, and are ready to put that experience to work for you if the need should arise. Schedule a free consultation appointment today, by calling 800-471-4100 or filling out our online form.