Hailey
A serious multi-vehicle crash early Friday morning led to the full shutdown of Interstate 35 near Emporia, Kansas, causing major delays for commuters, commercial drivers, and long-distance travelers.
The accident involved multiple semi-trucks and passenger vehicles, forcing authorities to close more than 30 miles of the Kansas Turnpike while emergency crews worked through the wreckage.
What Caused the Crash on I-35?
The crash happened early in the morning when a semi-truck became disabled and ended up blocking both northbound lanes of I-35. Moments later, another semi traveling in the same direction crashed into the disabled truck, causing its trailer to hang over the concrete barrier between lanes.
A third semi-truck traveling toward the scene was unable to stop in time and hit the already crashed vehicles.
Two additional passenger vehicles approaching the area also got caught in the collision, raising the total to five vehicles involved.
Emergency crews reported that the accident included:
- A cattle hauler
- A semi carrying packaged sausages
- A tanker truck transporting a corrosive chloride solution
- Two passenger cars
The involvement of a hazardous materials tanker prompted a quick response from hazmat teams, though there were no leaks detected.
Injuries and Impact on Traffic
Despite the severity of the crash, authorities reported no fatalities. One truck driver was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while others reported minor or no injuries. All drivers involved were wearing seatbelts.
One of the semis had been carrying approximately 120 cattle, and officials spent hours managing the movement and safety of the animals after the crash.
The impact on traffic was immediate:
- Northbound and southbound lanes were shut down
- Drivers were forced to take long detours
- Commercial trucks experienced multi-hour delays
- Emergency crews remained on-site for most of the day
Where the Highway Was Closed
A large stretch of the Kansas Turnpike remained closed for more than 12 hours between:
- Emporia (Exit 127)
- Cassoday (Exit 92)
This section covers about 35 miles of I-35, significantly affecting morning and afternoon travel.
Detour Routes and Travel Disruptions
During the closure, drivers were diverted off the interstate and guided onto:
- US-50 toward Strong City
- Then south on K-177
- Reconnecting again to I-35 at Cassoday
Traffic was slow throughout the detour, especially for large trucks, and congestion built up in nearby towns as travelers searched for alternate routes.
Hazmat and Livestock Concerns
Because one of the trucks carried corrosive hazardous material, hazmat teams inspected the tanker to ensure no leakage or environmental danger.
Fortunately, the tanker remained fully sealed.
The cattle hauler posed another challenge for responders. Crews worked to secure the area, ensure animals did not escape onto the roadway, and assess any injuries among the livestock.
Key Facts About the I-35 Crash
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of crash | Friday morning |
| Time reported | Around 5:15 a.m. |
| Location | I-35 Kansas Turnpike, south of Emporia |
| Vehicles involved | 3 semis, 2 passenger vehicles |
| Hazmat involved | Yes, chloride-solution tanker |
| Cattle aboard | About 120 cattle |
| Injuries | 1 transported with possible injuries |
| Highway closed | Over 12 hours |
| Distance closed | Approx. 35 miles |
| Detour | US-50 to K-177, reconnecting to I-35 |
| Reopened | Late afternoon / early evening |
Why This Crash Matters
The incident highlights the dangers of early-morning highway travel, especially when commercial trucks are involved.
A single disabled vehicle can create a chain reaction, especially in high-speed traffic zones.
This event also raises questions about:
- The safety of transporting hazardous materials
- Proper truck maintenance to prevent mechanical failures
- Response times and detour planning for major Kansas highways
The multi-vehicle crash near Emporia caused one of the largest highway shutdowns in Kansas in recent months, disrupting travel for thousands and triggering a major emergency response.
Thanks to coordinated efforts from law enforcement, firefighters, hazmat specialists, and highway crews, the wreck was cleared safely, hazardous materials were contained, and no lives were lost.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving, proper vehicle maintenance, and emergency preparedness on major highways like I-35.