NDOT Worker Injured After Oncoming Vehicle Hydroplanes

A Nebraska Department of Transportation worker was injured Friday afternoon after an oncoming vehicle hydroplaned on Highway 14 about 6 1/2 miles north of Neligh.

According to Ray Branstiter, NDOT District 3 operations and maintenance manager, a NDOT worker was flagging traffic where flood water was over Highway 14 when a northbound pickup hydroplaned. Branstiter said the worker tried to get into the NDOT pickup next to him for safety as the vehicle hydroplaned toward him. The oncoming pickup struck the NDOT vehicle and injured the worker.

"Our workers are out there trying to protect the public. That's our job," Branstiter said. "But we need the public to please be aware of our workers and to not put them at greater risk."

Branstiter said this was the second worker injured this year by other drivers. 

Branstiter said his worker was transported by Neligh Rescue to Antelope Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His name has not been released at this time.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the NDOT pickup has also not been identified. She was not transported by ambulance.

The accident remains under investigation. The Neligh Fire Department, Antelope County Sheriff's Department, Neligh Police Department and Neligh Rescue all responded.