Wet, cold, icy conditions cause numerous accidents near Madison

MADISON, Neb. -- A mix of freezing precipitation caused numerous accidents in northeast Nebraska, particularly in the area of Madison.

Between 9:20 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the Madison County Sheriff's Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Madison Police Department and Madison Fire and Rescue responded to numerous calls for vehicles in ditches or other road-related issues. Most of the incidents occurred in the area of the City of Madison and to the north on Highway 81.

Icy and wet conditions caused numerous vehicles to lose control, Madison County Sheriff Todd Volk said. Several of the drivers of the vehicles were able to drive out of the ditch by themselves, with others needing assistance from various tow companies, Volk said.

A jack-knifed semi-truck caused Highway 81 southbound to be blocked for a short time, Volk said. Another vehicle entered the ditch and rolled causing damage and the occupants of the vehicle were transported to Faith Regional for apparent minor injuries.

The details of the accidents are still being investigated by the various agencies.

Volk said in a press release that drivers should be cautious during cold and wet conditions, noting that winter weather can still occur in springtime.