Fatal Early Morning Crash in Scottsbluff Claims One Life
SCOTTSBLUFF, NE — A tragic collision early Tuesday morning has left one person dead following a two-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck and an SUV at the intersection of Avenue I and Highway 26. The Scottsbluff Police Department responded to the scene at 5:58 a.m. on September 9, 2025, after receiving reports of an injury accident at the busy intersection.
Crash Details
Upon arrival, officers and emergency medical personnel assessed the scene and determined that a 1995 Freightliner semi-truck and trailer, driven by 50-year-old Alfredo Chavira of Scottsbluff, was traveling eastbound in the right lane on Highway 26. The Freightliner had been stopped at the intersection due to a red traffic signal.
As the signal turned green, the semi began to proceed through the intersection. At that same moment, a 2000 red Oldsmobile Bravada, also traveling eastbound in the right lane of Highway 26, collided with the rear of the Freightliner’s trailer.
Despite the immediate response from first responders, the driver of the Bravada was pronounced deceased at the scene. Their identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Freightliner, Mr. Chavira, remained on scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. No injuries were reported for Mr. Chavira.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency crews, including fire and rescue personnel, quickly secured the area to ensure the safety of other drivers and to allow for a thorough accident investigation. The crash site caused temporary lane closures along Highway 26 as officials worked to reconstruct the incident and clear debris from the roadway.
The Scottsbluff Police Department, in coordination with accident reconstruction experts, continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash. At this time, no citations or charges have been announced, and authorities have not indicated whether speed, distraction, impairment, or other factors may have contributed to the collision.
Community Impact and Caution Urged
The accident marks a somber moment for the Scottsbluff community, and authorities are reminding all drivers to practice heightened caution—especially during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced and traffic signals require extra attentiveness.
“We want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” a spokesperson for the Scottsbluff Police Department said. “This is a heartbreaking incident, and we are committed to conducting a full and fair investigation to determine exactly what happened.”
Next Steps
The name of the deceased will be released once next of kin have been formally notified, in accordance with department policy. In the meantime, the community is urged to respect the privacy of those impacted by the loss.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage is encouraged to contact the Scottsbluff Police Department’s Traffic Division as the investigation remains ongoing.
A tragedy such as this is a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road. The Scottsbluff community mourns the loss and offers support to those affected.