Elwood Fire Chief killed in crash during fire response

ARAPAHOE, NE — A crash involving officials responding to the grass fire in Gosper and Furnas counties has claimed the life of a local fire chief.

The Nebraska State Patrol says the accident happened around 5:10 p.m. Thursday on Highway 283 about eight miles north of Arapahoe. Phelps County Emergency Manager Justin Norris was driving with Elwood Fire Chief Darren Krull in the passenger seat when a water truck hit their SUV head on.

Krull, 54, died at the scene. Norris, 40, of Holdrege, was transported to a hospital in Cambridge with life-threatening injuries. He was transferred to Kearney in stable condition and is now at a hospital in Omaha. The driver of the water truck, Andries Van Aswegan, 28, of Arapahoe, was not injured in the crash.

The State Patrol says fire and smoke in the area created zero-visibility conditions at the time of the crash.

“Our hearts are with all involved in this tragic crash, as well as those affected by the fire,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Please keep the firefighters, farmers, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, volunteers, and all others involved in this fire response in your thoughts today."

The fire started mid-afternoon Thursday south of Elwood. It burned a massive swath to the south and approached the outskirts of Arapahoe, forcing residents of the town to evacuate. As of Friday morning, 27 agencies were battling the blaze. Around 10:00 a.m. Friday, officials said the fire was about 90 percent contained.