Nebraska Woman Killed By Collapsing Taco Bell Sign

(Monday, April 06, 2009) - Strong Nebraska winds blew over a restaurant sign on the south edge of North Platte around 12:30 Friday afternoon.

Winds were gusting at about 40 miles an hour when a woman from Chambers, Nebraska, was crushed by a falling sign.

Mark and Diane Durre of Chambers were in North Platte to meet two people from Wyoming to sell dogs.

The Chambers couple parked under the Taco Bell sign near Interstate 80.

As the two sat in their pickup, strong Nebraska winds blew down the sign. The sign crushed the truck and killed 49 year old Diane Durre.

She died at the scene.

North Platte's Police Chief, Martin Gutschenritter, says it's just heartbreaking for someone to die in a random accident like this.

North Platte Fire and Police Department was able to remove Mark Durre from the pickup.

Lieutenant Jason Trimble, North Platte Fire Department, says, "We were able to extricate. We had to use the Jaws of Life and the sheers and the ram to break, cut the doors, and break the top of the vehicle off. The one patient we were able to extricate him."

The 49-year-old Durre, was taken to Great Plains Regional Medical Center to be treated for a fractured finger.

North Platte's Animal Control Division took two Yorkie dogs to the shelter.

The Wyoming couple showed up after the accident.

Police are taking pictures of the sign, the welding, and the accident for follow up investigations.

To view video go to: http://www.knopnews2.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=4863&%20source=

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