Two-vehicle collision in northern Gage County, causes injuries

BEATRICE - Law officers and rescue units were sent to a two-vehicle collision with serious injuries last night, about four miles north of Pickrell.
Gage County Sheriff’s investigators say the collision happened at around 8:45 p.m. and involved one person trapped in their vehicle.
Authorities say 47-year-old Rebecca Snyder, of Fairbury was driving a northbound 2003 Buick CX. Her vehicle left the east edge of the highway, driving on the shoulder, before coming back onto the highway. It then veered west, crossing the median and into the southbound lanes, where it struck a southbound 2014 Honda CR-V driven by 56-year-old Jill Petersen, also of Fairbury.
Snyder was airlifted by medical helicopter to Bryan West Health Center in Lincoln, with life-threatening injuries. Petersen was taken by ground ambulance to Bryan West, with non-life-threatening injuries.
The accident happened in an area where new asphalt paving construction is being done, with signs warning of uneven lanes.
Gage County Sheriff’s investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the accident.
Clatonia, Cortland, Pickrell and Beatrice rescue crews responded to the scene of the collision, along with the Nebraska State Patrol.
The southbound lanes of the highway were closed for about two-hours, 40 minutes. The northbound lanes were shut down for about an hour.
Bryan Health spokesperson, Lori Lee said Snyder was listed in critical condition and Petersen in serious condition, as of early Friday afternoon.