By Royce Massie
SPD Sergeant
On Sept. 3 at approximately 3:28 p.m., Scottsbluff PD was dispatched to the intersection of Highway 26 and Avenue I in response to an injury accident. A preliminary investigation indicates that a small Nissan SUV was turning north onto Avenue I from Highway 26. A Mazda pickup was traveling west on Highway 26, and the two vehicles collided. The driver and front seat passenger of the Nissan were transported to RWMC where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The driver of the Mazda was extricated from the vehicle and transported to RWMC with non-life-threatening injuries. Seatbelts are believed to have been used by all involved in the accident. The investigation is ongoing at this time, and Avenue I from 33rd Street to 42nd Street will be closed. Highway 26 will be closed to westbound traffic from Avenue B past Avenue I, and both roadways should be opened later this evening. The names of those involved will be released at a later time. Scottsbluff PD was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Valley Ambulance Services, and Scottsbluff Fire Department.
The driver of the white Nissan Versa was Buford Williams age 88 of Scottsbluff and the passenger was Benita Williams age 81 of Scottsbluff. Both Mr. and Mrs. Willaims passed away due to their injuries. The driver of the Mazda pickup is Tony Betancur age 74 of Mitchell. He was treated and released from Regional West Medical Center for his injuries. A crash reconstruction investigation is being conducted.