A young Nebraska firefighter has been identified as the victim of a tragic train collision that occurred Thursday morning along Highway 136.
Authorities confirmed that 24-year-old Andrew Katzberg of Kenesaw was killed in the crash involving a hay grinder and a freight train near Red Cloud.
According to investigators, the collision happened around 9:30 a.m. at Amboy, approximately four miles east of Red Cloud, Nebraska. Officials said the hay grinder struck an unloaded BNSF Railway freight train. Katzberg was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The impact caused 10 railcars to derail. Authorities confirmed that no members of the train crew were injured in the incident.
The Webster County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, and BNSF personnel. At this time, the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Highway 136 was closed between Red Cloud and Guide Rock following the crash and remained shut down until approximately 3 a.m. Friday. The roadway has since reopened to regular traffic.
