Driving isn't always easy in Nebraska, especially with hazards like packed snow, roving bovine, and the occasional pea-soup fog. But in one particular spot in Omaha, the danger comes from a much more run-of-the-mill source: a rock.
Specifically, this rock. It sits in the same shopping plaza as the Hy-Vee at around 156th & Maple streets in West Omaha. It looks innocent enough, as most rocks do...
But if you patiently wait for a while, you may get to see why it's been making headlines. The rock is there to prevent people from jumping the curb, tearing up the grass, and leaving a big muddy pit.
Once or twice a month, some poor soul turns the corner a little too sharply. The rock is slightly ramp-shaped, so cars' tires tend to roll right up to the top until the car is high-centered and hopelessly stuck.
Drivers who hit the rock are usually forced to climb out of their car and call for help. Employees at the UPS Store have a front-row view of every incident, and it happens so often that they've begun snapping pictures every time a car ends up on the rock.
We know what you're thinking: how do drivers not notice this large object, and how do so many of them end up in this position? The answers are a bit difficult to come by. Most people who are asked explain it in the simplest terms: some people are just bad drivers.
The pictures - and the rock's story - have grabbed a whole lot of attention recently. The strange tale has been told in local media and has even been picked up by international publications. Two UPS Store employees, Krystal Ann Hansen and Christle Menchaca, have started a Facebook group for the rock and become its unofficial spokeswomen.
Since the story has gained traction, the rock has become something of a local celebrity. The Facebook group, which at the time of publication has nearly 3,000 members, is full of pictures of the rock. Some people take selfies with it, and others share their own pictures of cars stuck on it.
Locals have even gone so far as to place "tributes" in the form of printed memes. In this photo, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson joins his namesake. Recently, another fan placed googly eyes on the rock.
Members of "The W Maple Omaha Rock" group are united in their amusement at the unfortunate drivers' plight. Deep down, we probably all feel a little bad for the people who run afoul of the rock...but it's hard not to laugh at the fact that it just keeps happening.
If you enjoy rocks but not getting your car stuck on them, check out this list of six awesome rock formations you should visit in Nebraska.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
