The Nebraska State Patrol says an Iowa man was killed in a multi-vehicle crash west of Ogallala on Saturday. The crash happened around 5:10 p.m. MT near Brule, at mile marker 118.
NSP spokesman Cody Thomas says the preliminary investigation shows that a dust storm occurred in the area, leading to a crash that involved 16 vehicles, several of which caught fire. Thomas says both directions of travel were closed on I-80. One driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Five other people were transported to Ogallala Community Hospital with serious injuries, one of which is considered to have life-threatening injuries. The driver who was killed has been identified as 56-year-old Steven Wichman of Pocahontas, Iowa.
The large scene required extensive investigation and clean-up. I-80 westbound reopened at approximately 11:40 p.m. MT. I-80 eastbound reopened at approximately 2:50 a.m. MT Sunday.