Semi/minivan accident kills 1, injures 3

I came upon the accident at U.S. 81 (7 mile corner)
Bless all the responders to accidents like this sad one. How very hard their jobs must be at times like this. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.

Thanks to all the responders and anyone that helped our family members in this critical time. We are asking that everyone say a special prayer to help mend our injured family.
Thank you
Coralea Kotrous

I think the video of the aftermath of this accident shows extremely poor taste on the Telegram's part. Family members and friends should not have to be subjected to this. I realize you need to cover the news, but one would think you would use better judgement and show some respect. Very upsetting.

My heart goes out to the families of the victims as well. This is a tragic accident and bless all of the great people that helped.

I think the video and pictures you have chosen to put on your web site are very disturbing. What lack of respect you show for the victims and ther families. Let it be known that I will not ever pay for a Columbus Telegram again. You showed poor judgement in placing these photos for the general public and the family to see. My family and I are angered by your actions!!!

hey Nancy Samek.. what is the difference between this and watching the news on tv and them showing an accident? that is what news organizations do, the report to the people on the news.. they didn't show any of the victims or anything.. so it is ok to me..

sorry to the family that lost a loved one. Prayers are with you.

That intersection is so dangerous! How many more accidents on that road is it going to take for them to do something about it!

Hello, I received bits and pieces (secondhand) of a friend's family being in a wreck.. We live out of state and I would like to send flowers but am unsure where this happened...All i know is somewhere in Nebraska. I have been searching the net to try and figure out where it was and came upon this....I am unsure of what city this happened in. Does anyone know how many was involved in this accident? The one I am looking for involved a husband and wife, their daughter and son in law.Any help is greatly appreciated.

...Yes victims are shown, and therefore my comment. Just not right. My prayers also, out to all involved.

I very sorry for the families who lost people they loved.

But this is for the people complaining about the pictures and video. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT DON'T LOOK AT IT! Someone who knew the family posted and they didn't comment on it. get over it.

The hospital that the husband and the daughter were transported to is in Omaha, a close flower shop would be Janousek Flower Shop: phone number 402-556-5652 or email at omaha-florist.com. I work as a nurse in Omaha, hopefully this will help you!!

I agree with those who say this is in bad taste. What can we expect from an area wiper that is a poor at best paper.

The Columbus Telegram should apologize for such poor judgement.

to thanks for your help. there were two vehicles in this accident. a semi, in which the driver is okay. the mini van had four people in it. carol and dale morrill and june and jack kotrous. the accident happened 7 miles south of columbus, which is about 90 miles west of omaha ne. if this is the family you are looking for my thoughts and prayers are with you along with my deepest sympathy.

Whenever an accident as this occurs it is always sad and tragic. It also is what a newspaper reports on. Sorry folks but news is news. Sad, bad or up setting it sells papers and gets your attention. The Telegram is just doing their job. This is real life sad as it is. I feel sorry for the truck driver as well who will live with this accident the rest of his life and was not his fault. Just happen to be driving along a very busy hiway when an elderly driver pulled out. I pray for his comfort as well.

I would like to commend all of the fireman with quick responses to this horrible accideent~~ I would like to also comend Brian Wilson from the Bellwood Fire department~~ He is such wonderful fire chief and responded quickly getting the help that he needed~~ This is so tragic and God bless all of the families~~~

In reference to the comments about the video being offensive I would just like to make a couple points:
1. It DID NOT show any injured victims.
2. It is a NEWSPAPER and they report the news....if you are offended by the news then turn it off or close the website or put the paper down.

My deepest sympathy to everyone involved........

As a friend of the family I would like to say that I think the video was a little over the top. Pictures are one thing but a video with close up shots!??! I know this is news and we should just deal with it, but just because it happens doesn't make it right.

I am glad that someone has mentioned the driver of the truck. He has hauled out of my home town for years and is a very cautious driver....this is something he will have to live with the rest of his life....sorry for all the families that are involved...

Hey angered citizen, Better get rid of your television too. I'm sure your going to see something on the news about this one. Just as I'm sure you have seen other accidents in the past. Try converting all that anger into prayers and I bet you'll accomplish more.

To Nancy Samek:
So if TV station XYZR-10 shows a disturbing clip are you going to chew them out also? This is what the media does, report news, good and bad! Turn the TV off or turn the page if you don't like it!

sorry to those families..i will have u in my prays. I am glad to see the truck driver made it out, not many make through wrecks like that. My dad drives truck for a company in omaha. And it scares me when he leaves to long distant. he has been trucking even before born. So i know how his family must feel.....well all in my thoughts...great job firfighters and polic.

83 year old drivers don't have the reaction time that we do, please tell your older love ones to stop driving if they don't need to

Well, maybe our lawmakers ought to start looking into getting a maximum age limit for driving. People generally over 80 aren't very sharp in their reaction time.

Come on people...someone was killed and others were hurt and we are arguing over footage and 80 yr old people driving..where are your hearts. These people have loved ones that are seeing this. Show some compassion and respect to them!!!

As for the newspaper, I am not saying it is right or wrong, they are doomed for whatever they do. They are doing their job, like we all do!!

My heart goes out to all the families, friends, EMS personal and everyone else that was involved in this accident.

Deepest Sympathies

I was one of the first few to post a comment on here. I just wanted to state that i live near by the accident area. And that I do pray for all of the families involved. But some of you are being ridiculous; death is part of life, bad accidents are every where, when the news doesn't tell you what happens you get mad because you want more, and these are the same people complaining about the pics and videos...i guess I just don't understand accidents happen to every one, there are more accidents up and down 81 caused by drunks and teens so we can not single out elderly people, maybe we should all worry about ourselves and pray for the people who need it most instead of worrying about people who are delivering the things you ask for. We were all teens we are all going to be elderly some day so please think before you post such ignorant comments. This world is so full of blame when it should be full of help and making sure things don't happen like this again.

This is a very sad story and my heart goes out to the families of both vehicles and praise to the volunteer firefighters. My mother heard on the scanner that one was dead and one choking so your reaction time hopefully saved a life. I think the video depicts a great deal of just how careful we need to be. If it wasn't for the pictures and videos it would go unnoticed just how dangerous this and many other intersections are. This is reality and I grew up around that intersection my whole life and see countless accidents there. So hopefully, as sad is the video is, maybe it will save one life by having people be a little more careful. God Bless and sympathys.

This was my grandma, aunt, uncle, and cousin...Thank you for your support and sympathy at this very hectic time...

Now that spring has sprung, the door to door selling is starting. I've already had to this month. What are the laws as far as them having a permit? I.D's ready when someone answers the door, showing what they are selling and a name to be left with the customer in case their is any questions about their products and are they legit.

Destiny maybe? The wrong place at the wrong time yes. Had they left a few minutes later or earlier who knows a lot of what if's and if only's. But you can't live your life this way. There are a lot of 83 year old drivers out there with all their wits about them, if their was any doubt don't you thinking the younger people in the vechile would have been driving. It was just as the telegram reported it an ACCIDENT, some thing that was never meant to happen. Prayers to all families involoved. Remember look left then right then LOOK AGAIN, never second guess.

I have been an EMT for 12 years now and I do not envy those responders the job they had to do. God Bless You All
The truck driver is a family member of mine and there is no blame in this accident. It was just that, an acident. I hope some of those prayers are for him amd his family as they try to deal with this themselves. Someone died at that accident and he has to live with that. So althought my heart aches for those that have lost and are recofering in the hospital, lets not forget about those that hurt in different ways

Thanks to everyone who has sent out their thoughts and prayers. I know my uncle had good intentions in "helping" drive. The kids, Jack and June were going to pick up their sister so they could drive. My uncle Dale is a great man who should no be judged because of his age. I lost my best friend who was 20 at the time becuase he looked down to change the radio station. This should be an eye opener to EVERYONE young and old. All it takes is a second for something horriable to happen. To the rest of my family I love you and am praying for everyone.

I live with a co-worker of the truck driver. My heart goes out to the family of the injured and dead, but also to Todd and his family. I know how hard this will be for him to deal with. It is a miracle that he wasn't hurt or killed as well. Unfortunately, survivors still end up with scars (even if they aren't visible).

My deepest sympathies goes out to the families and all involeved with the crash and clean up just remember there are so many people you can turn to in this time of need, take care all and god bless

A special prayer for Todd also it is a miracle that he wasn't hurt or killed as well. One of the passengers said you tried to avoid the accident, or it could of been worse. We are siblings of the couple that was in the back seat and would like to send Tood a special thanks for all his efforts to try and avoid something worse.
If any one knows his address please Email me at CKOTROUS@neb.rr.com

thnak you and God Bless you and your family.

First and foremost I would like to send my condolences to the families for their loss and to the trucker who was involved in this accident. I was on that call and can only imagine the pain that you are going through. I do commend all the fire and rescue departments that arrived to help. (Bellwood, Rising City, Shelby, and Columbus) Also not to forget the bystanders who did a terrific job. Not eveyone can do this type of volunteer work, but those of us that do, we try to do it to the best of our ability. I will admit that the situation was very intense, but overall we do what we can. This message is to those of you who say that the media is only doing their job. I was on the scene as an EMT doing what I have been trained to do, trying to help save lives. When people try to get as close as possible to the scene, it not only puts their life in jeopardy but it also adds to the stress of the situation for the Firemen and Rescue personnel. I know for a fact that some of these photos were taken from an area no more than 10 FEET from the vehicle. There is a difference between getting a story and causing interference at an accident scene. I do agree that the media needs to get the information to the public, but #1 the scene was very intense, #2 there were victims still in the vehicle, and #3 the media got close enough that it got the attention of the rescuers to whom were trying to save lives. People who are saying that there are no victims in these photos need to look closer. I know this, I was there!! Again, we all do the best that we can with what we have. Yes, this is a bad intersection, but what can be done? Two days prior to this accident there was an accident at this same location. Thank God no lives were lost. Be thankfull for today because tomarrow may never come.

THIS HAPPENED TO A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE. HER FAMILY'S LIFE FLASHED BEFORE HER EYES WHEN SHE HEARD THE NEWS. THINGS HAPPEN FOR MANY REASONS THAT WE DON'T UNDERSTAND. WHEN SHE FOUND OUT ALL OF HER FRIENDS WERE THERE FOR HER AND THEIR HEARTS WERE BREAKING ALONG WITH HERS WHEN SHE HEARD THE NEWS. IT'S NOT EASY FOR ANYONE OF US TO HEAR OR SEE, BUT WE JUST NEED TO TO PRAY FOR THE ONES THAT WERE INJURED AND PRAY FOR THEFAMILY WHO LOST SOMEONE VERY CLOSE TO THEM. SO SAY PRAYERS FOR THEM TO HELP THEM TROUGH A ROUGH TIME IN THEIR LIFE, AND PRAY THAT ONLY ONE WAS TAKEN INSTEAD OF ALL OF THEM. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY OF ALL WHO WERE INVOLVED.

I was one of the responders that helped on this accident scene. I was very upset at all the passer bys that were snapping pictures with their cell phones and cameras. I understand this is not something that we see everyday but think if that was your family that was in the accident. I know I would want the public to respect me and my family if I was involved in an accident of this magnitude. My heart goes out to the familys of the victims. All victims were taken very good care of and all efforts were made. Thanks to all that helped.

To the families involved my prayers are with you all. Thanks to the people who helped in this tragic accident. It is never easy to take care of people in accidents. Also what is the state and senators and congressmans doing about this road since is an election year tell them to do something about it.

To Joe and Elderly Drivers, Just because someones 83 years old does'nt make them any more slow or dangerous then some one 16 to 80. Just like the other day when I witness some 20 something woman talking on the cell phone and drove right trough the red light. Every one makes mistakes even both of you even if you are to stubborn to admit it and just wait till you turn eighty are you going to be to slow and dangerous as you claim the elderly are. Dale and his family are the most honest, loving, Religous family I know, they help out with the community, church and anything they could do for somone, they are very giving. They touch alot of hearts and Carol will be missed very very much. My family's hearts and prayers go out to the Morrill and Kotrous family.

Cmon people, dont blame elderly drivers. Not leting someone over 80 drive? Now theres some real mentality there. Maybe we shouldnt let kids drive untill they are 21 then either. Get a grip!
This is a sad story, lets keep it all in perspective

As I read these comments, there is one in particular from Joe about telling your 80 year old "loved ones" to stay off the road. You disguist me! What in the world makes you think you know what is right. How do you know it was their "reaction time" that caused the accident. It may have been a blind spot that when they were turning onto the highway that they did not see the truck driver coming. My parents are well into their 70's and I have to say they are a much safer driver than some of these crazies on the road. My sympathies to all families involved. May God wrap you in his arms and comfort you during this extremely difficult time.

I have read the comments and finally, I just have to say something. I live in Florida but am from Verdigre, NE. Jack and June Kotrous live in Verdigre. Mr. and Mrs. Morrill are from Creighton. I know them as well. They had a Ford Tractor implement business in Creighton years ago. I have known them for over 40 years. I am sorry that this happened and my prayers are with them all. Mr. Drobny the truck driver. I am sorry that this happened and my prayers and thoughts are with you as well. Now for all the people that commented about the poor taste and the newspaper did wrong. Why don't you just all shut the H____ up. You all would grip if there was no pictures and you grip because there is. My God people, let it go. It is what it is now. I'm not griping. I'm sure the people that are griping because of what they saw have watched muder slashing movies and don't complain about that.

My husband was the driver of he Semi-trailer and he also is grieving terribly. He is the father of 4 and the grandfather of a 5 month old. He alwaystold his children and myself that he would ditch his truck and die himself before hewould ever hurt anyone while in his truck. He is a very careful driver and has NEVER had an accident. Our prayers go out to all wo were injured and to all the family members!!! My husband will live with this for the rest of his life, and has quit his trucking career for good. He has not slept more that a few minutes at a time as he is still re-living every second of that day. My husband is very lucky to have been able to walk away from this accident as you can see by the pictures of the truck someone was looking down on him that day. Although the news commented that Todd was not hurt, he is very banged up and sore and will be getting checked out on Monday ashe is getting worse not better. Mentally my husband will never be the same person due to this devistation. Thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers. We are trying to get on with every day lives s our youngest daughter just graduated from highschool today (2 days later)and my husband is trying to do his best for her.

I am the daughter of the truck driver that was involved in this accident. I am also the mother of his 5 month old grand son. My whole family was devistated by this accident because my dad could have very easily died in this accident and also because of the families involved and those that were injured and passed. When my dad got home at 11 pm that night he had tears in his eyes and was afraid to face anyone I know the families involved are in his prayers as well as in mine. And for all the people that think the video and pictures are to graphic and poor judgement...as a daughter to someone involved i would like to say thank you to the people who put up this sight and who covered the story or me and my family wouldnt have seen what happened or kown as my dad is reluctant to talk about it. I also want to say thank you to all the ambulance drivers and firefighters and all others involved who helped my dad and the families in the mini van. You are all in my prayers

I do think there needs to be a yearly driving test for people over a certain age. You have to wait a certain age to drive. Reaction time not so good with 14 year olds...same as reaction time not so good with older people. Just my opinion and I have heard many many people agree with me. And now...you get like forever to have your license with out renewing or ever having to take a driving test again( only when you first get your license) So not right...

thank you so much for the love and support of everyone involved in this siuation. TO the Drobny family I am so sorry for all the suffering this has caused for you as well. thankyou Todd for risking your life to avoid taking my family members. Please try and find comfort in the fact that your actions did save some lives and we are truly grateful to you for that. As for the pixs and video they were not offensive to me somehow the more info I can process helps me cope. of course I would never want that info at the expense of my families getting proper care. We are a strong family who will fight together for the best for our loved ones and we appreciate all your kind thoughts and prayers and for all the help in taking care of our family.

I have first hand view of how it feels to have a loved ones death be plastered on the front page of the newspaper! My mother was in a horrible accident in 2004, and in the newspaper where the accident happened, there was the picture of her vehicle and her laying beside it covered in a body bag!! How do you think our family felt seeing that~~~ Yes this video wasnt to that extreme but I still feel bad for the family that lost their loved one and had to see that. My heart goes out to all that suffered this accident, and god be with you!

Vikki, Aleisha and family, and families of the Morrills/Kotrous my heart goes out to all of you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. This was such a horrible tragedy. I know it will be a long process for all the families to get through. Vikki and Aleisha..thank you for your comments..now we are able to understand what your husband/dad has been through and still is going through..I can't even imagine!! I know you feel that these words are easy to say cuz I'm not going through it but please "KEEP STRONG" and "KEEP THE FAITH"!! It sounds like he did the best he could to try and avoid it..so you knew he was doing his job. To the Morrill and Kotrous family..I know you all as well are going through a rough time..I also say "KEEP STRONG AND KEEP THE FAITH"!! It's so hard to have a funeral to plan plus members of your family still in the hospital..I can't even imagine what all of you are going through!! I don't know any of you and I don't live too far from the accident site and I'm not trying to be snoopy..I'm more concerned than anything and wished I could keep in touch to see how the Drobny's,Morrills, and Kotrous are all doing. This was such a horrible, horrible, thing that had to happen to all of you..and it's sooo hard to grasp for me as a concerned citizen since my family and I had come upon the end of the cleaning up. It has been going through my mind ever since..like I said I can't imagine what all of you are going through.
All the EMT and other reponders should get a "MEDAL" for their promptness and there hard work. I know it couldn't have been easy for them either. They were quick and got down to what they had to do. I can't imagine what they go through either.

For elderly drivers, I'm with a few of you commenters, it doesn't matter how old you are..you can have younger drivers and they make mistakes..some live through it and some don't....the bottom line is YOU as a DRIVER needs to be a DEFENSIVE DRIVER no matter where you are and no matter how old you are!! Sounds to me like Todd Drobny used his defensive drivers technique to try and avoid this accident but unfortunately things didn't turn out the way it should have....but HE TRIED!! For Dale Morrill we don't know what was going on...so we can't blame his age. We have 90 some year old family members still drive..they don't drive alot but we pray each day.
Sorry lots to say!! Let's keep these people in our prayers!!

LISTEN PEOPLE, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR GOING TO SEE WHEN THERES A VIDEO OF AN ACCIDENT?? YES ITS HORRIBLE FOR THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES. BUT ONLY BY "THEIR CHOICE" WILL THEY LOOK AT IT. I'M STANDING BEHIND THE TELEGRAM ON THIS ONE, FOR KIDS THAT THINK THEY ARE INDESTRUCTABLE AND "NO WAY WILL I HAVE AN ACCIDENT" ITS A GOOD LEARNING TOOL.

to Dangerous road- Build an overpass- So Sorry for the loss of life and to living members of their family.

Many thanks to all those who responded as Firemen, EMT'S etc, I know the victims in the Van personally, and our hearts pour out to the Morrill/Kotrous/Drobny, and those that responded to the accident call, or helped in any way. You need to be commended for the job you did. As a 20 yr. Volunteer Firemen its tough responding to these calls, and we do everything we have been taught, for those involved. The harsh comments are very hard to deal with, and its difficult to get Volunteers in these small towns we live in to take part and help out. But let it be known we do the best we can with the cards we are dealt each time we respond to a call. Our loved ones don't know if they will see us walk back in the door after we have responded on a call ourselves. Let us all remember the Victim's, Families involved, Emergency People there families, and let the power of prayer, help heal the wounds here. Thank God for the Firemen, EMT'S and those that responded to the call, and those that respond to calls everyday.P.S.Keep up the Great Job Everyone, we couldn't do it without you. Sincerely, Phil Beck Creighton,Ne

A number of the messages dealt with age of a driver. I suggest everyone make a point of attending AARP's Driver Safety Class. It is an eye opener. It was developed for drivers 50 and up, but now is known to be a superb class for all ages. See the AARP website for more info.

LET ME SAY THIS~~ YOU SAY IT IS THE CHOICE OF THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE LOST ONES TO LOOK AT THE NEWS AND PICTURES PLASTERED EVERYWHERE? YOU PROBIBLY HAVNT LOST ANY OF YOUR LOVED ONES IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND HAD THE PICTURES PLASTERED IN THE NEWS TO SEE FIRST HAND JUST HOW IT FEELS! I DIDNT WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES WHEN I LOST MY MOTHER BUT THERE WERE EVEREWHERE! PEOPLE WHISPERING ABOUT AS I WALKED BY THEM. ITS HORRIBLE, AND FOR YOU TO SO EASILY SAY "GET OVER IT" IS RUDE AND HEARTLESS! YOU WOULD PROBIBLY BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO IF THEY DROVE BY THIS SORT OF THING YOU WOULD HAVE YOUR CAMERA OUT SNAPPING PICTURES ALSO!!! THINK ABOUT OTHERS NOT JUST YOURSELF!!

The whole Morrill family is in my prayers and I am thinking of them every minute. I am grieving for the loss of Carol. She was a very special lady. Our family was neighbors to the Dale's folks. My mother worked for Dale's folks when she was a young girl. They are part of our family. This is not the first loss they have had in car wrecks. Dale lost a brother Max in a wreck and then maybe a year later Max's wife was also killed in a car wreck in the town of Creighton.
Dale and Carol raised part of his brothers family.
I will remember Carol as she pinned on My mothers 50 year pin at the Methodist Church in 2005. Dale also recieved his 50 year pin that same day.
I can not write every thing that comes to my mind. It would be a book for you to read. They are special people that done so much for our family.

Dale retired from being Postmaster in Creighton. He was also my grade school teacher. One of my first Man teachers.One of the best.

My thanks to all who helped out during that time of the wreck. My prayers are for you too.
I hope everyone that comments or reads about this terrible accident is praying for the family and truck driver. I know they need them now.Peace be with you all. LaVon Dike

SOME COMMENTS BEING POSTED ON THIS SCREEN I THINK ARE QUITE RUDE. ESPECIALLY THE PERSON TELLING 80 YR, OLDS TO STAY OFF OF THE ROAD. WILL THAT PERSON BE DRIVING WHEN THEY ARE 80??? I HAVE KNOWN THE MORRILL'S ALL OF MY LIFE AND THEY HAVE DONE SO MUCH GOOD FOR CREIGHTON AND WOULD HELP ANYONE WITH ASSISTANCE. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE MORRILL FAMILY AS WELL AS THE KOTROUS AND DROBNY FAMILY.

The only thing i have to say is SORRY to the family members. My best friend (Megan) is related to them and is very shocked and upset she is also upset about the bad comments that are written down on this page. I have all hope and prays to the family. And happy most survived i give ALL my prays and to hope everything goes all right......with all my prays and hopes

I think that this accident was very sad....the Kotrous family. I am very angry about some of the messages people are leaving this is a hard time for the family...how would you feel if this happened to you. I'm going to out all my Prayers and hopes for the Families...exspecially for my friend this was a very sad moment for her..and she wishes she was there with the survivers right now. With all my Prayers and hopes.
Sydney