It's about as horrific as a crash can get.
Two young men on their lunch break, stopped at a red light. When in a split second a cement truck making a turn tipped over and crushed the car they were riding in. We've learned who the men were. 23 year olds Michael Dearden and Philip Hertel died instantly. The tragedy played out at mid-day at an intersection that many people drive through regularly in Sarpy County: 120th and Giles.
Police say Michael Dearden was the driver in the vehicle, Philip Hertel was in the passenger seat. Both were on their way to meet two friends for lunch. 3 News Now reporter Maya Saenz spoke to police officers who responded to the call who say today's accident, was extremely tragic.
A gruesome scene at 120th and Giles blocked traffic for hours earlier Wednesday. A fully loaded cement truck tipped over, crushing a stopped vehicle at a red light, killing 23 year olds Michael Dearden and Philip Hertel instantly. "It was definitely one of those crashes that'll make us all think, it could happen at any time, anywhere, to anyone. It was a tragic set of circumstances that resulted in two innocent lives being lost today" said La Vista Police Chief Bob Lausten.
La Vista police police officers, as well as many other first responders got a close-up look at the devastating scene. "It's something that over time you kinda learn to cope with. You have a task to accomplish and you focus on that so you can serve the family" said La Vista Police Sergeant Brian Stolley.
La Vista Police Captain Bryan Waugh says they see things many everyday people don't see; like a cement truck crushing two people. Which is why Waugh says it's important for them to check their feelings with their fellow officers. "We're all good at talking to each other. So after we're done with that call, we've got equipment to put away, we've got uniforms to clean up and that's the time where you - it's not necessarily a counseling session but it's, how ya doing bud? And you can tell - if people are okay, then we're going to be okay."
And keep composed to serve the families of Dearden and Hertel. "Unfortunately, police and fire probably know best, you can't take any day for granted. Any day could be your day. You just never know."
Police say Austin Holloway of Fremont was driving the cement truck. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The cause of the rollover is still under investigation.
