Pleasanton, NE (December 27, 2024) – A 17-year-old driver tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle crash on a rural county gravel road south of Pleasanton on Christmas night. The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.
The crash was reported at approximately 8:40 p.m. Preliminary findings indicate that a 2006 Ford F150 pickup, carrying four occupants, was traveling eastbound on a gravel road near Cherry Rd when it left the roadway, entered the north ditch, rolled, and struck a power pole.
The 17-year-old driver was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Three other occupants, all 15 years old and from the Ravenna area, sustained injuries and were transported to Kearney-area hospitals for treatment.
Emergency responders included the Kearney/Buffalo County Fatality Accident Investigation Team, Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department, Kearney Police Department, CHI Health Good Samaritan paramedics, and the Buffalo County Highway Department. The Buffalo County Attorney’s Office has ordered an autopsy, and next of kin have been notified.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family in this difficult time.
Rural Road Safety in Nebraska
Rural roads, often unpaved and lacking barriers, can be particularly dangerous, especially at night or in adverse conditions. Crashes involving rollovers and ejections highlight the importance of wearing seatbelts and exercising caution on gravel roads, which can lead to reduced vehicle traction and stability.
Motorists are reminded to drive at safe speeds, remain vigilant, and ensure all passengers are secured with seatbelts to reduce the risk of fatalities in similar circumstances.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports. If you or someone you know has been affected by a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.