On Friday, March 28, 2025, at approximately 8:20 a.m., a fatal accident occurred on southbound Interstate 135 near Lincoln in Wichita, Kansas.
The incident involved a 2020 Chevy Silverado and a 2024 Kia Seltos, resulting in the death of Joel J. Troyer, a 69-year-old resident of Goddard, Kansas.
Crash Details
- Sequence of Events: Mr. Troyer was traveling southbound on I-135 when he lost an item from his vehicle. He stopped in the inside lane to retrieve the item and was outside his vehicle when a Kia Seltos struck the rear driver’s side of his truck.
- Fatalities and Injuries: Mr. Troyer was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Kia, a 34-year-old man from Wichita, and his 8-month-old passenger were uninjured.
Vehicle Information
- Chevy Silverado: 2020 model, driven by Joel J. Troyer.
- Kia Seltos: 2024 model, driven by a 34-year-old Wichita man, accompanied by an 8-month-old passenger.
Emergency Response
- Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP): Investigated the scene and confirmed the details of the incident.
- Sedgwick County Emergency Communications: Responded to the crash and confirmed the fatality.
Safety Recommendations
- Stay Inside Your Vehicle: If your vehicle is disabled on the highway, remain inside with seat belts fastened and call for assistance.
- Use Hazard Lights: Keep hazard lights on to alert other drivers of your presence.
- Avoid Retrieving Items on Highways: Do not attempt to retrieve items from the roadway; wait for professional help.
This incident underscores the dangers of stopping on active highways, especially when retrieving items from the roadway.
It’s crucial to prioritize safety by remaining inside your vehicle and awaiting professional assistance.