(Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — On March 31, 2026, at approximately 8 p.m., the Hastings Police Department responded to a report of an individual struck by an eastbound Union Pacific train. Initial information provided to the Hastings 911 Center indicated the incident occurred west of the Hastings city limits.
However, responding officers quickly determined the location to be near the Highway 281/Burlington overpass.
Upon arrival, officers located a deceased individual, and a death investigation was initiated. Detectives and patrol officers from the Hastings Police Department, with assistance from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, conducted an extensive investigation that concluded at approximately 5 a.m.
The investigation revealed that the individual, a 33-year-old male, had concealed himself behind a large concrete pillar near the railroad tracks and intentionally moved into the path of the train as it approached.
The identity of the individual is being withheld at this time to allow family members the opportunity to make notifications.
The Hastings Police Department extends its condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to the Union Pacific train crew involved in this incident. We also thank the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Hastings Street Department for their assistance during the investigation.
