NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Authorities say two people are dead after a crash on Highway 83 near North Platte.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's office (LCSO), on Tuesday at 6:49 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a call of a head on collision at mile marker 93 on U.S. Highway 83 (approximately seven miles north of North Platte). It was reported a passenger vehicle and semi-truck had hit head on and the vehicles were on fire.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies, Nebraska State Patrol and North Platte Fire and Rescue all responded to the scene. Deputies discovered the two male subjects in the passenger vehicle were deceased. The driver of the semi had minor injuries.
The deceased driver of the passenger vehicle was identified as thirty-two year old Sioux City, IA. resident Robert Islas. Mr. Islas passenger was identified as fifty-nine year old Sioux City, IA. resident Gilbert Vasquez.
LCSO says the investigation on scene showed the semi-truck was southbound on Highway 83 and the passenger vehicle was northbound. The passenger vehicle drove into the southbound lane, driving straight at the semi-truck. The semi-driver took evasive action breaking and swerving into the northbound lane but could not avoid the collision.
Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor, according to authorities. It appears seat belts were in use.