7/19/2024 Update 8:09am
Buffalo County Sheriff's Office
The driver / victim has been identified as Ronald D. Ayers, age 72, of Kearney, NE. Next of kin have been notified. An autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office. The incident involved a Union Pacific Rail Road train car and a 2014 Dodge van. The section of highway was closed for approximately 4 hours during the investigation
7/18/2024 Update 2:14pm
Buffalo County Sheriff's Office
Kearney, Neb. - The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding a single vehicle – train crash the resulted in the death of one adult male driver. The crash occurred at approximately 12:30 PM on Thursday July 18, 2024. At the time of this news media press release, public safety first responders remain the scene. A portion of Highway 30 at this location remains closed.
According to preliminary investigation, a transportation van was traveling westbound on US Highway 30 east of Cherry Ave just outside the city limits of Kearney, NE. At this location, a UPRR train was backing up on a railroad service track that crosses the highway. As the train was backing, it collided with the westbound van. The van, occupied by the driver and lone passenger, received significant damage. The driver of the van, preliminarily identified as an older male driver, was deceased at the scene. The only other occupant was an adult female, who reported no injury. The van driver was located deceased at the scene. Authorities are working to confirm the identity of the driver and notify next of kin.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by members of the Kearney Police Department, Kearney / Buffalo County Fatality Accident Investigation (FAIT) team, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, CHI GSH Paramedics, Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska State Department of Roads and Buffalo County Attorney’s Office.
Next of kin have not been notified. Investigation is ongoing at this time.
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Original story
North Platte Post
Kearney, Neb. - Highway 30 near Eatons is closed in both directions in Kearney as first responders are on scene after a vehicle was hit by a train.
In a Facebook post from the Kearney Police Department (KPD), responders are on scene of a van vs train accident that has resulted in a single fatality.
Law enforcement is diverting traffic and Highway 30 will be closed until the investigation is complete. KPD says more information will be released once the investigation is complete.