Driver arrested after drunk driving causes vehicle accident on train tracks
GRAND ISLAND - A driver was arrested Jan. 15 after driving drunk and causing a wreck in Merrick County. At approximately 2:59 pm on Thursday, an off duty officer and a Merrick County deputy came up on a one vehicle accident on Highway 30 and 4th Road, east of Grand Island.
The accident involved a Silver 2001 Ford F350 driven by Ryan L Ferrell of Washington. The investigation concluded that the vehicle was traveling westbound on Highway 30, attempted to make a left turn onto 4th Road and collided with a utility pole. The driver attempted to back the vehicle up and cross the railroad tracks before getting high centered on the tracks. All trains had to be stopped until the vehicle could be removed from the tracks.
No airbags were deployed and lap and shoulder belts were in use.
The driver was transported to Merrick Medical Center and was later released. Ferrell was arrested for Driving under the Influence greater than a .15 and Driving Under Revocation and booked into the Merrick County Jail.
Merrick County Sheriffs Office was assisted at the scene by Southern Public Power and Union Pacific Railroad.