One dead after combine, train collide in northern Gage County

FIRTH -- One person is dead after a train and combine collided near Firth Monday afternoon. 

The crash occurred around noon at South 110th and Apple Roads. According to Nebraska State Patrol, an eastbound combine had passed in front of a southbound BNSF train.

The operator of the combine was pronounced dead at the scene. The Nebraska State Patrol Tuesday identified the victim as 65-year-old Benjamin Scholting, of Louisville.

At around 3:30, a tow truck began work to remove pieces of debris from the tracks. Members of Nebraska State Patrol, Gage County Sheriff's Office, Firth Fire Department, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe were all on the scene. 

The crossing, along a gravel road, is at a northwest to southeast diagonal angle and has a stop sign for vehicles and crossbucks… but no warning lights.