On 09/15/2019 at approximately 6:40 PM, a traffic accident with injuries occurred around 3300 W Omaha Ave, Norfolk, NE. An eastbound pickup driven by Jesse Zobrist drove left of center and collided with an oncoming westbound SUV driven by Jodi Schnebel causing both vehicles to enter the north ditch. The SUV caught fire and was later extinguished by Norfolk Fire.

The driver of the pickup was life flighted due to the severity of his injuries and the driver of the SUV was transported by Norfolk Fire to Faith Regional ER.

A witness to the accident, 17-year-old Wyatt Smydra was able to free the driver of the SUV by cutting the seat belt and pulling the driver from the vehicle before it was engulf in flames. Deputys on scene and investigating the crash advised that the actions of Smydra, were nothing short of heroic and kept the driver from sustaining severe burns or worse.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident. Norfolk Fire and Rescue, Norfolk Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Life Net assisted at the scene.