The chief weather forecaster for NTV in Kearney remains hospitalized for injuries he suffered in a crash.

Kent Boughton was hurt Monday afternoon when the car he was driving collided with a semitrailer on U.S. Highway 6 about a mile west of Axtell. Boughton suffered injuries to a hip, hand and knee. Officials credit Boughton's use of a seat belt use and airbags in his car in preventing further injury.

Boughton was flown from the scene to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, where he underwent emergency surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Following is a News Release from Kearney County Sheriff's Office issued Tuesday, May 5:

At 3:03 p.m. on May 4, 2009 the Kearney County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call, reporting a 2 vehicle injury accident, approximately 1 mile west of Axtell on Highway 6 & 34.

An eastbound 2005 Chevrolet Impala, driven by 52-year-old Kent Boughton of Grand Island, crossed the center line and collided with a westbound 2004 Peterbuilt semi, driven by 49-year-old Rodney Bartels of Holdrege. Boughton was flown from the scene by Air Care to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Bartels was uninjured.

Seatbelts were in use by both drivers.

The accident is being investigated by the Kearney County Sheriffs Office and was also assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, Minden Police Department, Axtell Volunteer Fire Department, Minden Volunteer Fire Department, Phelps Memorial Hospital Ambulance, Nebraska Department of Roads and Air Care from Good Samaritan Hospital.