The accident report for the two-vehicle, head-on collision that sent both drivers to the hospital with injuries has been released.
According to the report from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 3:14 PM on April 23, Robert Sligar of North Platte, was traveling west, in a white 2013 Ford passenger van on NE Highway 2 about two miles west of Broken Bow traveling behind a small SUV with a camper. At the same time Morgan Vanhouten, of Broken Bow, was traveling east on Highway 2 in a black 2007 KIA Sportage.
Sligar began to pass the SUV and camper in front of him and entered the eastbound lane, but did not see the KIA until he was already parallel with the SUV and camper. According to the report, Sligar took evasive action and swerved left towards the south ditch, but the vehicles collided on the front passenger side of both units. After the impact, the van continued onto the shoulder where a tire dropped off the road and into the grass area of the ditch which caused the van to tip onto its left side.
The force of the impact deflected the KIA north, crossing both lanes of the highway, and coming to a stop facing north on the westbound shoulder.
Sligar and Vanhouten were both transported to Melham Medical Center by Broken Bow Ambulance. Sligar was transported with a possible injury to his neck, while Vanhouten was transported with a possible injury to his upper extremities.
Seatbelts were used by both drivers and airbags also deployed in both vehicles. Drugs and alcohol were not suspected in the crash and citations were not issued to either driver.
Broken Bow Fire and Rescue, Broken Bow Police Department, and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.
