COLUMBUS, Neb. -- Authorities in Platte County responded to a two-vehicle accident that left two injured and resulted in one person getting arrested for drug related charges.

Wednesday morning around 10:55 a.m., deputies from the Platte County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to a two-vehicle collision that resulted in injuries about half a mile north of Highway 22 on Highway 81. 

PCSO said the initial investigation showed a 1999 Ford F800 straight truck, driven by a 34-year-old Omaha man had been slowly traveling in the outside southbound lanes of Highway 81.

Officials said the second vehicle, a 2021 Peterbilt tow truck, driven by 50-year-old David Lee 50 from Blair, was also traveling southbound in the outside lane of Highway 81.

The Sheriff's Office said the accident happened when the Peterbilt was driven into the rear of the Ford.

After impact, authorities said the Ford rolled over onto the passenger side where it came to stop in the middle of the lanes heading south lanes of Highway 81 and the Peterbilt came to a stop in the southbound ditch.

PCSO said the Ford, which was equipped with a flashing traffic signal as well as a mounted attenuator, was being used as a safety vehicle by a company striping Highway 81.

It was reported that the traffic signal on the Ford had been activated, indicating to other drivers to enter the other lane.

Both the Omaha man and Lee were taken to the Columbus Community Hospital by Columbus Rescue where both drivers were treated for their injuries, and were later released, according to officials.

After release from the hospital, PCSO said Lee was arrested and transported to the Platte County Detention Facility where he was jailed on the charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana less than 1 oz., and reckless driving.

Authorities said that both vehicles were totaled as a result of the accident.

The highway remained closed for over an hour while the vehicles were removed, and for another half hour the highway was opened up to only one lane as crews cleaned up the scene.

This accident remains under investigation by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.