Mandy
A serious semi-truck accident in Kansas left a driver badly injured after powerful wind gusts caused her to lose control on a major interstate highway Friday afternoon.
Crash Reported on Interstate 70 Near Colorado Border
According to authorities, the crash occurred around midday on Friday along Interstate 70 in western Kansas, just a few miles east of the Colorado state line. The incident took place west of Goodland, an area that was experiencing extreme wind conditions at the time.
High Winds Caused Loss of Control
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that the semi driver lost control due to intense crosswinds, with gusts reaching nearly 70 miles per hour. The strong winds forced the tractor-trailer off balance, causing it to roll over into the highway median.
Officials confirmed that weather conditions were a major contributing factor, as severe wind gusts and blowing dust significantly reduced stability for large vehicles.
Driver Suffers Serious Injuries
The driver, identified as a 49-year-old woman from Utah, sustained suspected serious injuries in the rollover. Emergency responders transported her to Goodland Regional Medical Center, where she was admitted for treatment.
Authorities have not released additional updates on her condition but confirmed the injuries were considered serious at the time of transport.
Blowing Dust and Travel Restrictions Issued
At the time of the crash, the Kansas Department of Transportation issued warnings about dangerous blowing dust and reduced visibility across western Kansas.
Due to the hazardous conditions, commercial semi-trucks were temporarily restricted from crossing into Colorado from Kansas. Officials emphasized that the decision was made to prevent further accidents during the period of extreme winds.
Weather Conditions Continue to Impact Kansas Roads
Meteorologists noted that strong wind systems moving across the High Plains can create dangerous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles like semi-trucks. Sudden gusts can easily push large rigs out of their lanes, increasing the risk of rollovers.
Drivers traveling through western Kansas were urged to delay travel if possible, reduce speed, and remain alert for rapidly changing visibility caused by dust storms.
This Kansas semi crash on Interstate 70 highlights the serious dangers posed by extreme wind gusts and blowing dust, especially for large commercial vehicles.
With winds reaching 70 mph, authorities acted quickly to restrict truck traffic and issue safety warnings. The incident serves as a reminder that severe weather can turn highways hazardous within minutes, and caution is critical during high-wind events.