Cozad, NE (May 31, 2026) – A stopped semi-truck was struck from behind on Interstate 80 near Cozad on Saturday, leading to multiple injuries and a temporary highway closure.
The first collision occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. CT near mile marker 226 in a head-to-head construction zone. According to investigators, one semi had stopped in the work zone when it was rear-ended by another semi. The second truck caught fire following the collision and blocked both directions of the interstate.
Two occupants of the first semi were taken to a hospital in Cozad with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the second truck was not hurt.
While emergency units were assisting with that wreck, a second collision took place involving a semi-truck and a recreational vehicle. The semi driver and five people traveling in the RV were taken to Lexington Regional Health Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Interstate 80 remained closed for approximately two hours as crews worked along the roadway and cleared the vehicles involved. Additional information about the accident had not been made public as of this report.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding both collisions. We hope those hurt in these roadway incidents make a full and speedy recovery.
Why Rear-End Crashes Are Common in Highway Construction Zones
Construction zones can create sudden changes in traffic patterns that require drivers to slow down or stop with little warning. Reduced lane widths, shifting traffic, and temporary barriers can make it more difficult for motorists to maintain safe following distances.
Rear-end collisions often occur when drivers do not have enough time to react to slowing traffic ahead. Large commercial trucks may require greater stopping distances, especially when carrying heavy loads. Limited visibility, driver distraction, and unexpected congestion can further increase risk.
Secondary crashes can also occur when traffic backs up behind an initial roadway blockage. As vehicles approach a slowdown, differences in speed between lanes may create additional hazards. Transportation safety experts frequently encourage drivers to remain alert in work zones, reduce speed, and allow extra space between vehicles to help lower the likelihood of chain-reaction collisions.
