By KALIN KROHE
Panhandle Post
On July 3 at approximately 10:45 p.m. Scotts Bluff County deputies were called to a car vs. train accident at the L79E Link - Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crossing in Minatare.
Deputies found a 2019 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 22-year-old Janet Spengler of Scottsbluff, that had been struck by an eastbound BNSF train.
Spengler’s Jeep had been stopped at the railroad crossing due to a passing train when the vehicle was rear ended by a 1989 Toyota pickup truck driven by 53-year-old David Bollman of rural Minatare.
"The vehicle driven by Spengler was pushed into the side of the moving train," Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman said. "No injuries were reported by Spengler and her juvenile sister who was the passenger of the vehicle. Bollman sustained minor facial injuries due to not wearing a seatbelt."
Both vehicles were totaled.
David Bollman was arrested for driving under the influence (2nd offense), careless driving, open alcohol container and no seatbelt.
The Scotts Bluff Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Minatare Fire Department, Valley Ambulance and the Burlington Northern Railroad Police Department.