BEATRICE – What was initially reported as a multiple vehicle accident near Filley Thursday night, turned out to be a utility terrain vehicle that flipped over, at U.S. Highway 136 and East Hoyt Road.


"Four passengers in the vehicle, traveling from Filley to Beatrice...minor injuries. Two were transported to BCH and Bryan West."


Gage County Sheriff’s Deputy Brock Juracek said it appeared the UTV had been coming off a gravel road to turn onto the highway.  "I don't know if the tires gripped too much and they rolled over, but luckily, there's no severe injuries."


Beatrice Rural Fire and Beatrice Fire and Rescue units responded to the scene when the call reporting the accident came in at 7:56 p.m. The accident scene was about nine miles east of Beatrice….or about a mile southwest of Filley. Juracek said when sheriff’s and rescue personnel arrived, the UTV was overturned on its passenger side.


"There was a male standing up, alert...in it. Paramedics wanted to flip it back over on its wheels, just to assess him for injuries."


It was reported that at least one person was thrown from the vehicle when it flipped over.  "Everyone was alert and conscious...minor injuries, scrapes, cuts, maybe a possible broken bone on one occupant."


Juracek says a sheriff’s sergeant investigating at the scene arrested the driver of the UTV on suspicion of driving under the influence. Traffic was able to move through the area while the accident was being investigated.

The Gage County Sheriff's Office identified the driver of the UTV as 58-year-old Tony Ebbers, of Beatrice.  He was arrested for alleged driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI resulting in serious injuries, reckless driving and an open container violation.   

Passengers in the UTV were identified as Marnie Oates, Chris Henrichs and Celia Ebbers.   Oates was taken to Beatrice Community Hospital. Celia Ebbers was taken to Bryan West Health Center in Lincoln.