Driver falls asleep and crashes into railroad crossing gate in Merrick County, sheriff’s office says

MERRICK COUNTY, Neb. (KOLN) - A driver suffered minor injuries after they reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a railroad crossing gate in Merrick County on Saturday.

A Merrick County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the Highway 30 and Z Road railroad crossing for an injury accident.

A preliminary investigation shows that the driver of a Ford Escape was headed south on Highway 30 toward the Z Road railroad crossing when they fell asleep. The sheriff’s office said this caused the driver to miss the curve and collide with the crossing gate.

The driver suffered minor injuries. The sheriff’s office said the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and alcohol and drug use is not suspected.

Silver Creek Fire and Rescue Department assisted with the crash.

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