By SCOTT CARLSON
North Platte Post
KEARNEY, Neb.-An Axtell teen has died following a crash involving a car and a bus transporting a softball team.
The Kearney Police Department, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and CHI Good Samaritan Hospital EMS responded to the report of a two-vehicle crash at Platte Rd. and 2nd Ave. (Highway 44) south of Kearney at 8:04 p.m on Thursday.
Police said a preliminary investigation indicates a Cozad Community Schools school bus, driven by Torrey Kloppenbor, 68, of Cozad, carrying the Cozad High School softball team was northbound on 2nd Ave. and turning left onto Platte Rd.
A 1993 Cadillac, driven by Jacob Harms, 19, of Hildreth, was traveling southbound on 2nd Ave. when the bus turned in front of him and the vehicles collided, with the Cadillac striking the front passenger corner of the bus.
A passenger in the Cadillac, Britney Royle, 17, of Axtell, and Harms both had to be extracted from the vehicle. Despite lifesaving efforts by EMS, Royle was pronounced dead at the scene. Harms was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said there were 12 students and four adults on the bus. Two adults and three students were transported to Kearney Regional Medical Center. All were treated and released.
“While this crash remains under investigation, myself and the entire Kearney Police Department express our sincere condolences to all those affected by this incident," said Kearney Chief of Police Bryan Waugh. "While the loss of life in any motor vehicle crash is tragic, it is compounded when young people are involved. I’m confident our Police Investigators and Police Officers will work tirelessly to determine the cause and forward the findings to the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office. We ask for patience as this complex investigation progresses."
The Kearney Police/Buffalo County Fatal Accident Investigation Team (FAIT), Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo County Attorney’s Office all assisted with the accident investigation.
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