Norfolk man airlifted after crash on Highway 81

NORFOLK, Neb. (KCAU) — A Norfolk man was airlifted after a crash on Highway 81.

According to a release from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, they were called to a crash that happened at the intersection of Highway 81 and 846 Road, two miles north of Norfolk near the Madison-Pierce county line.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene prior to law enforcement, the release said.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they said that they were told by witnesses that a red Ford F-150 was crossing Highway 81 westbound on 846 Road when it failed to stop at a stop sign. At that time, a gray Ford F-150 that was traveling south on Highway 81 hit the red F-150, flipping it on its top in the ditch.

Officials identified the driver of the gray F-150 as a 17-year-old male from Pierce. The 17-year-old allegedly told officials he had been drinking prior to the accident and also had not been wearing his seat belt. A test found that the teen had a BAC above the legal limit. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries.

The driver of the red F-150 was identified as Brent Arens, 48, of Norfolk, had to be extricated by rescue personnel. Arens had to be flown from the scene to be treated for injuries. Officials state that his condition was stable. They also said that statements from rescue personnel indicate that Arens was also under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

Both vehicles are considered a total loss. The incident is still under investigation.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, Norfolk Fire and Rescue, Hadar Fire and Rescue, Pierce Fire and Rescue, and the Norfolk Police Dispatch.

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