One person was killed and several other injured in a multi-vehicle crash that shut down I-80 for hours yesterday.
Out recap of pics, vids, and info on fatal I-80 semi truck wreck yesterday:https://t.co/EGZ6AufxVX pic.twitter.com/9DLOD765WZ
— MeanStreets Omaha (@MeanStreetsOMA) August 22, 2017
Pileup Crash Ends With Semi On Top Of Convertible
The crash happened in Omaha shortly before 10 a.m. in the westbound lanes on I-80 as many motorists were traveling to view the solar eclipse.
According to the Omaha Police Department, sixty nine year old truck driver Robert J. Richmond “failed to notice traffic that began to slow significantly at which point the front-end of the semi-truck collided with the rear-end of a white 2013 Toyota Prius.”
After hitting the Prius, the truck collided with a Chrysler Sebring convertible. That crash caused the Sebring to rear end another truck’s roll off trailer.
Richmond’s truck came to rest on top of the Sebring, trapping the two occupants inside. After rescue crews extracted them, both occupants of the Sebring were taken to the hospital.
@MeanStreetsOMA Anyone headed west on I80 east of 84th, turn off. You won’t get anywhere. I80 is closed at 84th due to an accident.Praying pic.twitter.com/Wi6Lb4qZWS
— Tricia Brazda (@boflover3) August 21, 2017
One Killed, Five Seriously Hurt, In Crash
All four occupants of the Prius were also taken to the hospital following the crash. Nineteen year old Joan R. Ocampo-Yambing was later pronounced dead. Those who were injured were listed in serious to critical condition, but all are expected to survive.
The two truck drivers involved in the crash were not hurt.
Listen up people–you have GOT to SLOW DOWN and PAY ATTENTION when driving!! Lives are changed & lives are lost in the blink of an eye. https://t.co/KYiouE6kBy
— Ofc. Mike Bossman (@OPDOfcBossman) August 21, 2017
The crash caused heavy traffic backups. All lanes were reopened just before 2 p.m.
The crash remains under investigation.