Multiple injuries in highway accident, north edge of Beatrice

BEATRICE – An accident reportedly with multiple injuries blocked all four lanes of U.S. Highway 77 at the north edge of Beatrice last night, backing up traffic for several minutes.

Law officers, fire and E-M-S personnel were sent to U.S. Highway 77 and Hickory Road at 7:40 a.m., with Southeast Communications initially reporting two persons with severe back pain.  One woman apparently suffered multiple trauma injuries. Other victims also were injured. 

Two ambulance units from Beatrice Fire and Rescue went to the scene and a third ambulance was requested.  Plymouth, De Witt, Wilber and Clatonia Rescue units initially were also contacted.   A medical helicopter from Lincoln flew to the scene, landing at a pad next to the nearby Beatrice Community Hospital Emergency Department.   Beatrice Rural Fire personnel also responded to the scene.

Beatrice Police and Gage County Sheriff’s Officers blocked off both north and southbound traffic on the highway, routing traffic off the highway to the west. The accident happened in the southbound lanes, of U.S. 77.

There were no immediate details about what caused the accident, nor the identities of those involved. Those injured were taken to Bryan West Health Center in Lincoln.  Emergency medical personnel cleared the scene just before 9 p.m., but law officers investigating the mishap remained at the accident site.