One injured in tractor-semi collision

According to the Creston Fire Department, at 10:19 a.m. on Wednesday, Union County Dispatch requested medics and first responders to an accident involving a semi-truck and a tractor on Cherry Street Road, south of 130th Street with possible injuries. A private vehicle transported the injured tractor driver, later identified as Levi W. Buxton, 44, but was met by Greater Regional Health’s Medic Unit 1 and Unit 2 before reaching Creston. EMTs then transported Buxton to the hospital and he was the only person injured in this incident.

Emergency responders located a John Deere 4000 tractor, which had been pulling a bale trailer and a hay rake, obstructing the roadway, while the semi came to rest in a nearby farmstead yard. The semi was driven by Derrick J. McLuckie, 27, who struck the back tire of the tractor when attempting to overtake it on Cherry Street Road. The empty grain hauler collided with the tractor’s rear, breaking off the left rear wheel from its hub and dislodging both front wheels of the tractor.

Additionally, the semi’s fuel tank was ruptured, resulting in a diesel spill. The Creston Fire Department provided temporary fuel confinement. The Union County Sheriff’s Office conducted the accident investigation and managed traffic control due to the wreckage blocking the roadway. C & J Wrecker and Diversified Towing were on the scene to remove the vehicles and assist with the cleanup. The Union County Roads Department also contributed materials for the cleanup effort.

McLuckie was cited for unsafe passing. Damage to the tractor was estimated at $15,000 and damage to the semi was estimated at $3,000.