Hamilton Co, NE – Two Dead in Fatal Semi-Truck Crash on HWY 14

Hamilton County, NE (November 12, 2024) – A fatal semi-truck crash occurred on Monday afternoon when a pickup collided with a semi-truck on Highway 14, just north of Aurora. The incident, reported by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, occurred around 3:00 p.m. near the intersection with County Road 16, approximately three miles north of Aurora. 

According to Sheriff Jeromy McCoy, the preliminary investigation revealed that a southbound 2022 Kenworth semi-truck, driven by 34-year-old Terrance Callahan of Kearney, experienced a brake failure. This malfunction caused the truck to cross the centerline and collide head-on with a northbound 2019 Dodge pickup driven by 42-year-old Nathan Omel of Grand Island. Omel was pronounced dead at the scene, along with his rear passenger, 66-year-old Cynthia Omel, also of Grand Island. A third passenger in the pickup, 95-year-old Marion Omel, was critically injured and was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island. He remains hospitalized in stable condition as of Tuesday morning.

The semi-truck driver, Terrance Callahan, was not injured in the crash. Both vehicles were occupied with seatbelts, which were confirmed to be in use at the time of the collision.

Emergency responders from the Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire and Ambulance, and the Nebraska State Patrol quickly arrived on the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, with the Nebraska State Patrol assisting local authorities in determining the exact cause of the crash.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.

Fatal Semi-Truck Accidents in Hamilton County: A Growing Concern

Semi-truck accidents are a serious issue in rural areas like Hamilton County, where large trucks share roads with smaller vehicles. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, commercial vehicle crashes made up nearly 25% of all traffic fatalities in the state in 2022. 

In Hamilton County, fatal semi-truck accidents have been on the rise, with a 15% increase in such incidents reported in 2023. Experts are calling for better safety measures, including more frequent truck inspections and improved road infrastructure, to reduce these tragic events.

When a fatal accident occurs, family members of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim. In Nebraska, surviving family members—such as spouses, children, or parents—can seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. If the accident was caused by gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Consulting with an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a semi-truck accident in Hamilton County, a skilled Nebraska semi-truck accident attorney at Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law is ready to help. With years of experience and a strong commitment to client advocacy, our firm provides tailored legal representation to victims of negligence.

For a consultation about your Hamilton County semi-truck accident, call Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law at (402) 506-4444. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights every step of the way.

Notes: Our team collects accident information in Nebraska from a variety of external sources, such as news outlets, police records, social media platforms, and direct accounts from witnesses. Please note that our team has not independently confirmed the specifics of this incident. We encourage you to contact Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law immediately if you discover any discrepancies in our reporting. We will make the necessary corrections or remove the content as required.

Disclaimer: This post is not an attempt to solicit business. Please be aware that the information provided here does not serve as legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on specific factual and legal circumstances. If you need personalized legal advice, please directly reach out to Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law. Additionally, the image featured in this post does not depict the actual scene of the accident.