At about 7:27 a.m. on Sunday morning the Stanton County Sheriff’s office responded to and investigated a one vehicle injury accident about four miles south of Stanton on Hwy 57. The accident occurred when a northbound car driven by Alejandro Reyes, 27 of Stanton crossed the center line thru the southbound lane and struck a bridge guardrail head-on. The impact destroyed the car and caused major damage to the bridge railing. A passenger in the car, Jose Mandujano-Ceja, 30, Stanton was trapped in the wreckage and was extricated using the “Jaws of Life”. He was transported to FRHS by ambulance for treatment of injuries. Reyes was also transported to FRHS after his arrest for DWI-2nd offense, Careless Driving and an Open Alcoholic Liquor Container. The highway was closed for nearly two hours as vehicle debris was spread over about a 30-yard area of the bridge roadway. Mandujano-Ceja was also cited for an Open Alcoholic Liquor Container. Stanton Fire and Rescue along with Pilger Fire and Rescue and Leigh Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. LifeNet helicopter was enroute until cancelled. Stanton County Emergency Management assisted in the scene investigation. Nebraska DOT was still scene at 11:00 working on the damaged bridge approach. “Seatbelts and Airbags do save lives, but alcoholic liquor and driving don’t mix and often take lives of the innocent.” Sheriff Mike Unger
SCENE ON HWY 57 SOUTH OF STANTON