By Allison Peck
The Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department responded to two separate injury crashes in Keith County on June 28 and 29, including one that required a medical helicopter.
Just before 6:40 p.m. on June 28, firefighters were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash while participating in the annual "Guns and Hoses" softball game. According to the department, players quickly traded their softball uniforms for turnout gear, boarded fire apparatus, and responded to the scene.
Due to conflicting information received while crews were en route, the Paxton Volunteer Fire Department was initially requested for mutual aid but was later canceled after the first units arrived. Firefighters extricated one victim from a vehicle, and Keith County EMS treated and transported two people. The Keith County Sheriff's Office assisted with traffic control and investigated the crash.
The following day, at 12:48 p.m. on June 29, firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle rollover in the dual-response area shared by the Ogallala and Paxton volunteer fire departments. Both departments responded along with Keith County EMS, the Keith County Sheriff's Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Crews extricated one victim from the vehicle. Keith County EMS provided treatment at the scene while a landing zone was established for a medical helicopter to transport the patient. Traffic was reduced to the passing lane during the response. The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the crash.