Pilger Man Escapes Serious Injury; Crashes Causes $30K Damage To Bridge

A one-vehicle accident shut down Highway 275 for about an hour late Friday night after a Pilger man crashed into a bridge, causing an estimated $30,000 of damage to the bridge. The driver, who was not seriously injured, was arrested on DWI charges.

Just before 11 p.m., the Stanton County Sheriff’s office responded to and investigated a one vehicle accident that shut Highway 275 completely down for about one hour.  The accident occurred when a westbound SUV driven by Jose Garcia-Ramirez, 26, of Pilger drove off the roadway and struck the guard rail approach to the Humbug bridge just West of Pilger on Hwy 275 causing severe damage to the bridge approach. 

Garcia-Ramirez was treated at the scene by Pilger Rescue and declined medical transport.  He was found to be under the influence of alcoholic liquor and was arrested for Driving While intoxicated (above .150% BAC), Reckless Driving, and No Operators License.  Garcia-Ramirez was wearing a seatbelt and numerous airbags deployed in the SUV preventing serious or fatal injuries.  Damage to the guardrail and bridge approach is estimated at over $30,000.00 and the SUV is a total loss.   

Garcia-Ramirez was jailed pending the posting of a cash bond.  Stanton County Emergency Management also responded to the scene to help with traffic control.

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