Hailey
I-35 Crash: A routine Friday morning turned into a day of chaos for drivers on I-35 near Emporia after a massive accident forced officials to shut down more than 20 miles of the busy highway.
The crash, which involved three semi-trucks and two passenger cars, happened before sunrise and left both directions of the interstate completely closed for hours.
The situation led to long delays, huge detours, and serious damage to vehicles and livestock being transported. Here is a clear breakdown of what happened and how it affected thousands of travelers in Kansas.
How the Accident Happened
The crash took place around 5:12 a.m. between mile marker 93 near Cassoday and mile marker 126 near Emporia, according to Kandrive. The early-morning darkness and heavy traffic conditions made the situation even more dangerous.
Chain Reaction Crash Involving Multiple Trucks
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the incident began when a semi-truck became disabled in the median. The truck was left stretched across both driving lanes of the highway, blocking the roadway for oncoming vehicles.
Another semi-truck was unable to avoid the disabled vehicle and crashed directly into it. The impact caused:
- Vehicle One to bend over the concrete median barrier
- Vehicle Two to block both northbound lanes and the right shoulder
A third semi-truck approached the scene but could not stop in time, crashing into the trailer of Vehicle Two.
Two passenger cars were also caught in the chaos, adding to the seriousness of the crash.
Highway Closures and Long Detours
The accident forced authorities to shut down both northbound and southbound lanes of I-35. This closure stretched for over 20 miles, impacting thousands of drivers traveling through Kansas.
Detour Routes Announced
To keep traffic moving, officials set up the following detours:
| Direction | Detour Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Northbound I-35 | Redirected to K-177 | Over 40 miles |
| Southbound I-35 | Redirected at U-50 near Emporia | Over 40 miles |
Many drivers faced long delays due to the extended detour route. Some travelers reported being stuck on the road for hours.
Impact on Cattle Being Transported
One of the semi-truck trailers involved in the crash was carrying cattle. Sadly, the accident left many of these animals seriously injured.
A local veterinarian had to step in to assess the damage. Because many of the animals were severely hurt, they had to be put down on the scene. It was one of the most heartbreaking parts of the entire incident.
Injuries and Medical Response
Even with the heavy damage, the human impact was relatively lower than expected.
- Two people suffered minor injuries.
- One person was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Emergency responders acted quickly, preventing the situation from turning even more dangerous.
What’s Next?
Authorities worked through the morning to clear debris, move the damaged vehicles, check the roads, and ensure the highway was safe to reopen.
The investigation continues as officials study what caused the first truck to become disabled and whether weather conditions or mechanical issues played a role.
The I-35 shutdown near Emporia shows how quickly a single highway incident can turn into a major transportation emergency. With three semi-trucks, passenger cars, and livestock involved, the crash forced long road closures, huge detours, and unfortunate loss of cattle.
While only minor human injuries were reported, the impact on traffic and transported animals was massive. This incident highlights how important highway safety, quick emergency response, and clear communication are during unexpected events.