Neligh Teen Transported After Vehicle Hydroplanes

A downpour of rain around 3:45 p.m. Saturday contributed to a one-vehicle accident on Highway 275 between Neligh and Oakdale.

According to Antelope County Sheriff Chief Deputy Dan Hallock, Loren Horstmann, 18 of Neligh, was eastbound on Highway 275 near the intersection of 527th Road driving a 2004 Ford pickup registered to Eddie and Marlene Schindler of Neligh.

Hallock said the driver lost control due to the weather conditions, crossed the westbound lane and hydroplaned. He then entered the ditch and struck a tree. Horstmann was the lone occupant in the vehicle and was wearing his seatbelt. Airbags did not deploy. 

Hallock said the vehicle landed on a culvert and had to be stabilized by the Neligh-Oakdale Jaws of Life before Horstmann could be extracted. He was transported to Antelope Memorial Hospital by Neligh Rescue with non-life threatening injuries.

The accident was investigated by the Antelope County Sheriff's Department with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol. The Neligh Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the scene.