AUBURN, NEBRASKA — A semi-truck crashed into a building overnight near the intersection of Highway 75 and Highway 136 in Auburn after the driver fell asleep at the wheel and veered off the road, causing damage to the Hetzel building and a parked vehicle, with city officials now urging the public to avoid the area as engineers assess structural stability.

^{Photo credit: Nebraska State Patrol}

The City of Auburn said the crash occurred near 923 Central Avenue, close to the Highway 75 and Highway 136 intersection. The Nebraska State Patrol said the crash happened when the truck driver fell asleep while driving, drifted off the roadway, and struck the Hetzel building. Police said the semi-truck also hit an unoccupied Ford Explorer.

Authorities said the driver sustained minor injuries.

City officials said the damaged building is being evaluated by a structural engineer to develop a plan to stabilize it. The city asked residents to stay behind barriers and caution tape and use caution in the area while the evaluation is underway and repairs are planned.

The incident remains under review as the structural assessment continues.

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