Semi vs. pickup collision near Stanton

STANTON, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska sheriff's office responded to an accident between a semi-tractor and a pickup truck early Thursday morning. 

Stanton County Sheriff's Office said they were called to the accident on 564th Ave. southwest of Stanton. 

Sheriff Mike Unger said the accident was nearly a head-on. 

SCSO said the accident happened when a semi and trailer, loaded with more than 900 small pigs driven by a 60-year-old man from Stanton, was heading south and a pickup that was heading north, driven by a 56-year-old Columbus man, collided at the crest of a hill. 

Authorities said that a passenger from the pickup had been treated at the scene by Leigh Rescue. It was also reported that the passenger declined being taken to the hospital. 

Seatbelts appeared to have been in use and airbags did deploy, according to the SCSO. 

The county road was closed for more than three hours as officials cleared the roadway. 

The 56-year-old was cited for no operators license, and the mans pickup was considered a total loss.