Accident Claims Two Lives Near Hemingford

A two-vehicle accident on Friday evening claimed two lives and sent two other people to Regional West Medical Center to be treated for injuries.

According to Cody Thomas, Public Relations Director with the Nebraska State Patrol, troopers received the report of a crash at 4:20 p.m. on Highway 71, 15 miles west of Hemingford.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that a Honda Pilot was traveling eastbound when it crossed the center line and collided with a westbound Ford F-150,” said Thomas. “The driver of the Honda, Hattie Hanks, 53, of Crawford, and passenger, Rylee Hanks, 27, of Chadron, were both pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Thomas noted that an infant passenger in the Honda as well as the driver of the Ford were transported to Regional West in Scottsbluff with non-life-threatening injuries. Thomas said an investigation into the crash is still under way.