Injury Accident at Highway 41 & Highway 43 Junction

DATE:  4-1-10 @ 1854 hrs           

LOCATION:  Hwy 41 East and Hwy 43 

OFFENSE:  Two vehicle rollover accident with injuries      

CASE:  2010-1347             
 
On 4-1-10, Gage County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with Adams Fire and Rescue, Cortland Fire, Sterling Rescue, and Clatonia Rescue responded to a two-vehicle, rollover injury accident at the intersection of Highway 41 and Highway 43.  Vicky Benson, 48 of Sterling was driving a 2002 Dodge Caravan and was stopped at the stop sign at Hwy 41 East and Hwy 43.  Benson did not see a 1988 Chevrolet K1500 pickup traveling west on Hwy 41 and began to turn east onto Highway 41 from the stop sign.  The right front corner of the van struck the right rear corner of the pickup causing the vehicle to spin around and roll two times down the embankment on the northwest corner of the intersection.  The pickup’s driver, Verl Mulder, 72 of Firth, was taken to a Lincoln hospital and is listed in serious condition.  Passenger Paul Straube, 54 of Bennet was taken to a Lincoln hospital and is listed in serious condition.  The third passenger, Larry Larkins, 66 of Firth, was also taken to a Lincoln hospital and is listed in critical condition.  Seatbelts were not utilized in the pickup and alcohol is not considered to be a factor.  Benson was issued a citation for failure to yield to the right of way to a vehicle.

Deputy Klimek #9033

Sheriff Millard ‘Gus’ Gustafson #903