An accident on South Locust Tuesday evening sent a semi and its cargo careening over a bridge into the Platte River. The accident occurred just before 5 p.m. on South Locust, between Wal-Mart and Interstate 80.
The semi truck was carrying more than 30 cows headed for slaughter a state away. The devastating accident took the lives of six Angus that we know of, but it's taken more than that from the driver.
"Have you seen a little white dog," asked Raymond King. Finding his dog is the only thing left on King's mind, because it's all he said he has left, after losing his wife two years ago.
"It's a Jack Russell and his name is Jack Russell," he said. King is well aware, at this accident, finding a small white dog is almost harder than finding a needle in a haystack.
Raymond King was hauling cattle south towards the interstate, when he began choking on a cup of coffee and lost control of the wheel.
"Crossed the northbound lanes, ended up going eastbound over the bridge and landing in the river, splitting the trailer open," explained Sgt. Jeff Roby, with the Nebraska State Patrol.
"We're still looking for 15 or 20 of ‘em," said Roby. Six cows were found either dead or suffering; those with fatal injuries were shot by police on scene to end their suffering. But with King hauling over 30 cows, that leaves 25 at least on the loose.
"The cattle injured, dead on scene, will be rendered and the other cattle are being rounded up by local ranchers and hopefully we can get them rounded up," said Roby.
Moments after the accident, Seth and Jenna Adams rode over from Lazy K Ranch to help, bringing with them a small army of four-wheelers and ranch hands. "She's on a mule," explained Jenna. "If she sees [the dog], she'll bring her back here to you," she yelled up to King from her horse.
"Tragedies like this, it's nice to see locals come to the aid of other people," said Jared Stockwell, a firefighter with GIFD. "It's one of the great things about living in this part of the country."
So far, they've rounded up 8 Angus to temporary pasture; but, there's still no sight of Jack Russell. With the truck right-sided, king was certain his best friend escaped. But where, is now the question.
Raymond King is asking for everyone's help finding Jack Russell, a small white Jack Russell Terrier – similar to Wishbone or the dog from Frasier.
Police are urging drivers on South Locust to be aware there are still loose cattle and there is a chance they could wind up on the roadway.
If you see the dog or cattle on the roadway, you are urged to call the police.
