Double fatality accident in Polk County Friday night

SHELBY, Neb. -- Authorities said there was a double fatality accident that happened Friday evening in Polk County.

According to Polk County Sheriff's Office, two vehicles collided east of Shelby on Highway 81/92 around 10 p.m.

The Sheriff's Office reported that 42-year-old Jesse Vasquez Espinoza Jr., from North Dakota, and 60-year-old Viola Peace, from Polk County, both died as a result of the accident. 

PCSO said the accident happened when Espinoza, who was driving a Chevrolet pickup, was heading west when he fell asleep at the wheel. 

The pickup crossed the center line and collided with Peace, who was driving a Chevrolet Malibu, according to officials. 

Authorities said that both Espinoza and Peace were trapped inside their vehicles and had to be extricated from their vehicles. 

Espinoza was taken to a hospital in Columbus, and then life-flighted to a hospital in Lincoln where he died. 

Peace was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Sheriff's Office said that Espinoza was wearing his seat belt and Peace was not. 

The Polk County Sheriff's Office had assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol and Shelby Fire & Rescue. 

The accident is still under investigation.