By KALIN KROHE
Panhandle Post
On June 7 a dangerous storm hit Alliance with wind gusts causing a semi-tractor to be pushed over.
"Wind gusts and heavy rain made visibility zero percent," Alliance Police Sergeant David LaDuke said. "A semi-tractor pulling an unloaded trailer was driving northbound on Highway 385 and had just passed the Maverick gas station when the storm hit. The driver of the semi immediately pulled over and put the semi into park. The high winds pushed the semi onto its right side, causing the driver to be suspended from his seatbelt."
Three Alliance police officers, two Nebraska State Patrol troopers and the Alliance Fire Department immediately responded, shutting down the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 385.
"The driver, with the assistance of a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol, was able to free himself out of the cab and crawl out of the semi," LaDuke said. "The driver of the semi was not hurt due to him wearing a seatbelt and was not transported to the hospital."
The semi was able to be pulled upright by Red Beard Garage and Towing, and was towed off the highway.
"The Alliance Police Department would like to thank the Nebraska State Patrol, the Alliance Fire Department and Red Beard Garage for their timely response and assistance with this incident," LaDuke added.
