LINCOLN, NE – Traffic around one of Lincoln’s busy south side intersections was rerouted after a semi-tractor trailer struck another vehicle, hit several light poles and traffic signals, and came to rest west of 84th Street and O Street.
Lincoln police said officers and rescue personnel from Lincoln Fire and Rescue were called after reports of a hit and run. Responders were initially sent to South 84th Street and Hazelwood Drive, but while they were on the way, dispatchers learned the semi had already caused significant damage and then stopped a short distance away.
Semi driver reported a medical emergency before the crash
Lincoln Police Department officials said the semi driver reportedly experienced a medical emergency. Police did not immediately release the driver’s condition or say whether that emergency was the cause of the sequence of crashes.
The collision started with the semi hitting another vehicle before it struck the light poles and signals. Authorities have not said how many poles or signals were damaged, but they confirmed the truck came to rest west of the 84th and O streets intersection.
Police expect rerouting and slowdowns for several hours
LPD said drivers should expect traffic to be rerouted and slowed in the area for several hours while crews deal with the aftermath. The crash affects a major roadway connection on Lincoln’s southeast side, where 84th Street carries steady local traffic and turns into a key route near O Street.
Police have not announced a full reopening timeline. For now, the focus remains on keeping traffic moving safely around the damaged intersection and clearing the roadway enough for normal travel to resume.
Injuries were not believed to be life-threatening
Police said there were no life-threatening injuries connected to the crash. At the same time, officers said the extent of any other injuries was still unknown when they released their update.
No additional details were given about the people involved in the collision or whether anyone was taken to a hospital. Lincoln Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the scene along with police, but officials have not described the number of patients evaluated.
Scene centered on South 84th Street and Hazelwood Drive
Early dispatch information sent officers and rescue crews to South 84th Street and Hazelwood Drive, though the truck was later found stopped west of 84th Street and O Street. That shift in the incident location suggests the semi continued moving after the initial impact before finally coming to rest.
Police have not said whether the truck driver remained on scene, whether citations have been issued, or how the reported hit-and-run aspect will be handled. Those details are still part of the developing response as investigators sort out the sequence of events.
Police ask witnesses with video or audio to come forward
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact Lincoln police at 402-441-6000. People who want to remain anonymous can reach Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.
LPD specifically asked for video or audio recordings, which could help officers reconstruct how the semi struck the vehicle, the poles, and the signals before stopping. Witness accounts may also help clarify the medical emergency police say the driver reported.
