Nebraska State Patrol troopers narrowly avoided tragedy on Interstate 80 just west of Lincoln after an out-of-control vehicle slid across lanes and crashed into a roadside scene where troopers were assisting stranded motorists. The near-miss occurred on January 29, 2026, during light snowfall that nonetheless created dangerously slick conditions and triggered numerous slide-offs along the interstate.

Dashcam footage released by the Nebraska State Patrol captures the tense moments leading up to the incident. Troopers can be seen deploying traffic cones and helping civilians who had already slid off the roadway when a vehicle suddenly loses control, skidding across the highway toward the group. In the video, urgent warnings are heard as troopers shout and jump clear just seconds before the car barrels through the area, missing them and the civilians by only inches.

Authorities emphasized that the conditions at the time did not involve heavy snowfall, underscoring how even light snow can rapidly turn roads into hazardous surfaces. According to the State Patrol, multiple vehicles lost control along the same stretch of I-80, highlighting how quickly winter driving conditions can deteriorate and leave little margin for error.

In a public statement, the Nebraska State Patrol stressed that two troopers and the people they were assisting were moments away from being struck, calling the incident a sobering reminder of the risks faced by first responders and motorists alike. Troopers on scene requested backup immediately after the near-collision as traffic conditions continued to pose a threat.

Officials urged drivers to slow down, increase following distances, and remain alert during winter weather, even when snowfall appears minimal. The incident serves as a stark warning that lives depend on cautious driving, particularly near emergency scenes where troopers and stranded motorists are especially vulnerable.