Hailey
A woman from Emporia sustained severe injuries early Thursday morning after her vehicle struck a deer and veered off the road on Interstate 35 in Butler County, Kansas.
Crash Occurs Near El Dorado on I-35
The Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the accident at approximately 2:20 a.m. on northbound I-35, roughly 17 miles northeast of El Dorado, along the Kansas Turnpike.
The incident involved a 2006 Pontiac G6, which was traveling northbound when it collided with a deer that had entered the roadway.
Vehicle Loses Control After Deer Impact
Following the collision with the deer, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car then crashed into the center median barrier before it ultimately came to a stop in the northbound ditch. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Driver Identified and Hospitalized with Serious Injuries
The driver has been identified as Tyrisha Marie Dawshae McCormick, a 30-year-old resident of Emporia. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Emergency responders quickly transported McCormick to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of serious injuries.
Authorities confirmed that McCormick was wearing her seat belt, which may have helped reduce the severity of her injuries.
Deer-Related Accidents: A Common Road Hazard
This incident highlights the dangers that wildlife poses to drivers, especially during early morning hours when visibility is low.
Collisions involving deer are common on rural highways and interstates in Kansas, and drivers are urged to remain alert and reduce speed in areas known for wildlife crossings.
A serious accident on I-35 in Butler County resulted in significant injuries to an Emporia woman after her car hit a deer and crashed into the median.
Thankfully, seat belt use likely played a role in minimizing further harm. Drivers should always stay vigilant on the roads, particularly during dawn and dusk when deer activity is highest.