Weeping Water, NE (April 22, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 34 and Highway 50 in Cass County left two people hurt on Tuesday, April 21, shortly before 11:20 a.m. The collision caused a semi-tractor-trailer to jackknife and sent one driver to the hospital with serious injuries.
According to authorities, Stephen Kennemer of Canyon Lake, Texas, was driving a 2024 Freightliner pulling a trailer southbound on Highway 50. At the same time, Alice Mizerski of Lincoln was heading eastbound on Highway 34 in a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The Highlander struck the rear tire of the Freightliner in the intersection, causing the semi to jackknife and come to rest in the west ditch south of the intersection. The Highlander came to rest in the southbound lanes of Highway 50.
Mizerski was extricated from her vehicle and airlifted to Bryan LGH West in Lincoln with serious injuries. Kennemer was taken by ambulance to CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln with suspected minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those hurt as they receive medical care.
How Do Intersection Crashes Involving Semi-Trucks Unfold in Nebraska?
Crashes between large commercial trucks and passenger vehicles at rural intersections tend to be especially dangerous due to the size difference between the two vehicles. When a car strikes a semi at an angle — particularly near the trailer’s wheels — the force of the impact can cause the truck to jackknife, meaning the trailer swings out sideways from the cab. This type of crash can block multiple lanes and create additional hazards for other drivers nearby.
Nebraska’s rural highway intersections, where two-lane roads meet at grade level with no signals or limited sight lines, are among the more common locations for this type of collision. The weight and momentum of a loaded trailer make it difficult for even an experienced driver to react once contact occurs. Seatbelt use, as was the case here, can significantly affect the severity of injuries in these crashes.
