NE Man Joel Lungrin ID’d As Victim In Thursday Kearney Fatal Semi Crash

KEARNEY, NEB. (THECOUNT) — Joel Lungrin, 48, of Axtell, Nebraska, was identified as the victim killed Thursday in a two-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck on the Avenue M-N Overpass in Kearney, according to the Kearney Police Department.

Authorities said Lungrin was operating a flatbed pickup truck northbound on the overpass when the vehicle crossed left of center and collided head-on with a southbound semi and trailer.

Emergency crews responded to the crash scene around 3:26 p.m. Thursday.

Investigators said the pickup struck the front driver’s side of the semi, causing catastrophic damage to both vehicles. Officials said both the pickup truck and the semi were totaled in the collision.

Lungrin was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the semi, owned by Food Bank for the Heartland of Omaha, was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was later released.

Kearney police said the preliminary investigation determined Lungrin’s vehicle left its lane of travel before crossing into oncoming traffic for reasons that remain under investigation.

The Kearney Police Department described the collision as a tragic loss for the local community and extended condolences to Lungrin’s family and loved ones.

Kearney is located in central Nebraska along Interstate 80, approximately 130 miles west of Lincoln.

The investigation is being conducted by the Kearney Police Department with assistance from the Kearney/Buffalo County Fatality Accident Investigation Team, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division.

Officials said an autopsy has been ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office.

Google Maps: Avenue M-N Overpass, Kearney, Nebraska

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