OGALLALA, Neb. (June 12, 2025) — A Nebraska State Trooper narrowly avoided injury early Thursday when a semi struck his patrol vehicle on Interstate 80 in western Nebraska.
The incident happened around 12 a.m. MT in a construction zone between Roscoe and Ogallala, where only one lane of traffic is open in each direction. Troopers had responded to a disabled semi blocking westbound traffic and were directing vehicles through the area.
As traffic was being managed, a westbound semi failed to slow down and collided with the trooper’s parked cruiser before striking the trailer of an oncoming eastbound semi. The trooper was outside of his vehicle at the time and was able to run to safety.
No injuries were reported. The driver of the westbound semi was cited for reckless driving. I-80 was closed for more than an hour following the crash.
The Keith County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation at the request of the Nebraska State Patrol.