Broken Bow man severely injured in Nov. 16 accident

Custer County Sheriff’s Office Nov. 19, 2020

BROKEN BOW - Two men were transported to Melham Medical Center in Broken Bow after a semi-trailer and tractor collision 4 miles west of Merna on Monday, Nov. 16.

According to a report from the Custer County Sheriff ’s Department,

Brett Franzen 27, of Broken Bow was driving a 1980 John Deere 4840 Tractor westbound on Hwy 92 at 3:43 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16. Franzen began a left turn from the highway onto Rd. 429.

At that same time, a 2006 Peterbilt 379 semi-tractor with trailer, driven by Johnny Westfahl, 43, of Hagler was attempting to pass the tractor.

Franzen aborted the left hand turn and pulled the tractor back into the westbound lane, and Westfahl also pulled back into the westbound lane. The front of the semi struck the rear of the tractor. Both units ran west off the highway into the south ditch. The driver of the tractor was ejected.

A witness approaching Hwy 92 on Rd 429 reported seeing the tractor appear as if it was going to turn south onto Rd 429 and also reported seeing the semi passing the tractor.

A second witness who was behind the semi told authorities she observed activated warning lights on top of the tractor and said the semi pulled out as if passing the tractor.

Neither alcohol or drugs are suspected as being a factor in the accident. Westfahl was using both a lap and shoulder belt in the semi; no belts or restraints were used in the tractor, according to the report. The semi was haling grain, chips or gravel. As of Nov. 19, a citation was pending against Westfahl.