Lancaster County investigators suspect the Thursday afternoon fatal car crash about a mile north of Branched Oak Lake was caused by the inexperience of a 16-year-old driver, said Chief Deputy Bill Jarrett.

A car driven by Justin M. Tubbs, 16, collided nearly head-on with a van driven by Dale K. Moses, 58, of Lincoln, on West Little Salt Road between Northwest 126th and Northwest 140th streets, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office.

Joseph P. McLachlan, 61, of Lincoln, was killed in the crash. He was a passenger in the van.

The crash occurred at the crest of a hill on the gravel road, and the car driven by Tubbs likely had crossed the center of the roadway, Jarrett said.

McLachlan, Tubbs and Moses were taken by helicopter to BryanLGH Medical Center West after 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Moses remained in serious condition at the hospital Friday night, and Tubbs was listed in fair condition. McLachlan was no longer listed as a patient. A 15-year-old passenger in Tubbs' car was not seriously injured.

The crash is still under investigation. No citations were issued Friday.