Special to the Leader & Times

A two-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 11:22 a.m. Tuesday, four miles west of Plains on U.S. Hwy 54.

A 2023 Dodge Ram 2500 being driven by Ernesto Smith, 35, of Plains, was stopped in the westbound lane on U.S. Hwy 54 at Meade County Road 2 waiting on traffic to clear to turn south. A 2021 Chevrolet Express being driven by Zachery Amerine, 26, of Otis, was traveling west  behind the Dodge Ram when he failed to yield and brake, and crashed into the rear of the Dodge. Amerine then veered into the southbound ditch of Seward County Road Y and struck an electric pole, where the vehicle came to rest. The Dodge came to rest facing south on Meade County Road 2.

Amerine was taken to Southwest Medical Center with suspected serious injuries. Smith was taken to Meade District Hospital to be treated for his injuries.