Imperial, Ne - Monday afternoon (November 25), at about 3:00 pm. Chase County Communications received a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle accident on Highway 61 near 744 RD. It was reported that a pickup had run into the back of a tractor. Imperial Police Department Officer Chris Bustillos had happened upon the accident on his way to other official business and he been relaying information to dispatch prior to arrival of other first responders. Sergeant Justin Mueller arrived on scene first and IPD Officer Bustillos filled in Sgt. Mueller.
The accident had blocked both lanes of Highway 61. Sgt. Mueller contacted a male standing at the front passenger door of the pickup and a female passenger still seated in the vehicle. The male was identified as Michael Kuskie, 36, of Ogallala, NE the driver of the pickup and the female passenger was identified as Victoria Willard, 30, also of Ogallala. Sgt. Mueller stayed with the occupants, instructing them on first aid until Chase County EMS and Imperial Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene and took over for the injured parties. Sgt. Mueller also contacted the driver of the tractor, Nicholas Day, 40, of Madrid, NE. All parties were evaluated by EMS with Kuskie and Willard being transported to Chase County Community Hospital, and Day being released uninjured.
During the investigation of the accident, it was discovered that the pickup, a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, was travelling South on Highway 61. The Avalanche approached the New Holland TV145 tractor, also travelling south, from the rear and struck the back of the New Holland at highway speeds with no signs of braking prior to impact.
Highway 61 remained closed for approximately an hour while crews worked to separate the two vehicles and clear the roadway. Kuskie was issued a citation for Driving Under Suspension, since he was still in the hospital. Willard was transferred with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and Day was uninjured. No parties were wearing seatbelts. The investigation remains ongoing and further charges may be filed.