Wichita Teen Girls Injured in Jet Ski Collision at Lake of the Ozarks

Two teenage girls from Wichita, Kansas sustained injuries after a jet ski collision at Lake of the Ozarks on a Saturday evening, leaving one with serious injuries and the other moderately hurt.

Officials from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) have released key details about the crash, its cause, and their response.

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Below is a complete and up-to-date breakdown of the incident, including timeline, victim status, investigation, and safety considerations.

Incident Overview & Timeline

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s boat/drowning incident report, the key facts are:

• Date & Time: October 3, 2025, at 5:44 p.m.
• Location: Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Arm, around mile marker 58.6
• Type of watercrafts: Two Sea-Doo Spark jet skis
• Collision mechanics: The 15-year-old side-swiped the 13-year-old, ejecting both from their jet skis
• Injuries & transport:
    • 13-year-old: serious injuries, transported by EMS to Lake Regional Hospital
    • 15-year-old: moderate injuries, transported (via private conveyance) to same hospital
• Safety gear: Both girls were wearing safety devices (likely life jackets) at the time of crash

Here is a summary table showing the known details:

Further Details & Official Report

MSHP Crash Report

Two Wichita Teen Girls Injured in Jet Ski Accident at Lake of the Ozarks

The official MSHP boat/drowning incident report (Incident #250465968) confirms the collision occurred near mile marker 58.6 in Morgan County, on the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks.
It notes:

• The 15-year-old (female) drove her jet ski from the scene after crash (i.e., left under her own power or control)
• Each jet ski was recorded as having moderate damage and was towed by private means afterward
• The crash was assisted by multiple MSHP troopers and Gravois Fire Department
• The 13-year-old was explicitly noted as “seriously injured,” and the 15-year-old as “moderately injured”

Media Coverage

• Local news sources confirm the 5:45 p.m. timing and that the older teen “side-swiped” the younger teen.
• They report that the 13-year-old was in more critical condition, while the 15-year-old’s injuries are less severe.

Victim Conditions & Medical Status

• The 13-year-old girl is reported to be in serious condition at Lake Regional Hospital, following ejection and injury.
• The 15-year-old girl is in a moderate condition and also receiving care at the same medical facility.
• It is not publicly known whether either has stabilized further or whether surgeries or additional interventions are required.

Investigation & Safety Considerations

• MSHP is now investigating to determine whether negligence, speed, or environmental factors (such as water conditions) contributed.
• Investigators will analyze jet ski damage, trajectory data, and eyewitness statements, as well as watercraft navigation rules for that area.
• The fact that both operators wore safety gear is important — it may reduce liability or determine how injuries occurred—but it does not eliminate risk when collisions occur.
• Officials may examine whether operator experience, visibility, or crowded water conditions played a role.

Broader Implications & Public Safety

• This incident underscores how water recreation, even in controlled environments, can yield serious injuries when collisions occur.
• It highlights the need for operator training, strict safety zone monitoring, and public awareness around shared waterways.
• The use of safety devices likely mitigated worse outcomes — reinforcing that wearing life vests or flotation gear is essential.
• Local authorities might consider speed restrictions, zoning of personal watercraft traffic, or education campaigns at popular lake locations.

The jet ski collision at Lake of the Ozarks involving two teens from Wichita serves as a stark reminder of risks on the water, even among young, safety-conscious operators.

The 15-year-old’s side-swipe of the 13-year-old ejected both girls into the lake, resulting in serious and moderate injuries. With the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigating factors like collision mechanics, operator conduct, and environmental conditions, families and the public await clearer understanding.

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Meanwhile, this case emphasizes the importance of safety gear, controlled maneuvering, and heightened vigilance when boating or riding personal watercraft.