Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, officers from the Nebraska State Patrol and the Custer County Sheriff's Office investigated a triple fatality traffic crash that occurred around 2:30 p.m., two miles west of Ansley on State Highway 2.
According to the office of the Nebraska State Patrol, a westbound 2005 Chevy Avalanche, driven by Jeffrey Podraza, 44, Elkhorn crossed the center line and was struck in the eastbound lane of State Hwy 2 by a 2010 Kenworth tractor-trailer combination, driven by Michael Connely, 39, Broken Bow. The investigation into the cause of the crash continues, weather is not believed to have been a contributing factor.
Killed in the crash were Jeffrey Podraza, and Podraza's daughters Jordyn 12, and Taylor, 10. Connely, the driver of the semi was transported to Jennie M. Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow with non-life threatening injuries.
Officers believe the two girls and Connely, were wearing seat belts. It is still under investigation as to whether Podraza was wearing a seat belt
