Fatal Crash on Highway 77 in Dodge County Leaves One Dead and Others Injured

DODGE COUNTY, Neb. — Authorities are investigating a deadly crash that occurred on Saturday evening, leaving one person dead and sending several others to the hospital. The collision happened on Highway 77, about two miles south of Uehling, at around 7:30 p.m., according to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the crash involved a Dodge Durango traveling westbound. The driver, identified as 60-year-old Julia Johnson from Malmo, Nebraska, failed to stop at a stop sign on the highway. As a result, the Durango collided with a southbound Jeep Compass on the highway. The impact of the collision forced both vehicles off the road and into a ditch, causing severe damage.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to provide aid. All drivers and passengers involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals for further medical evaluation and treatment. Sadly, Dorothy Norgard, a 72-year-old passenger from Omaha who was in the Jeep, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Another passenger in the Jeep was critically injured and had to be airlifted to a hospital in Omaha for emergency care.

The driver of the Dodge Durango, Julia Johnson, was cited for running the stop sign and for careless driving, which authorities believe contributed to the tragic accident. Officials have stated that neither speeding nor alcohol were factors in the crash.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has launched a full investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash. They are urging any witnesses or anyone with information about the accident to come forward as they continue to piece together the events leading up to the collision.

Highway 77 remained partially closed for several hours on Saturday night as crews worked to clear the wreckage and conduct a thorough investigation. This fatal crash serves as a reminder of the importance of following traffic signals and driving cautiously, especially at intersections.

Local residents expressed their condolences to the family of Dorothy Norgard, who was remembered as a beloved member of the Omaha community. The authorities are expected to release more information as the investigation progresses.

If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at [insert contact information]. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.