By MARK BLISS
Sergeant Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office
On July 3, at approximately 10:45 p.m. deputies responded to a report of a car vs. train accident at the L79E Link Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crossing in Minatare.
Upon arrival deputies found a 2019 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Janet Spengler, age 22 of Scottsbluff that had been struck by an eastbound BNSF train. Investigation determined that 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 David Bollman, age 53, or rural Minatare. The vehicle driven by Spengler was pushed into the side of the moving train. 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 Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Minatare Fire Department, Valley Ambulance, and the Burlington Northern Railroad Police Department.