Marina
A tragic accident occurred on the Kansas Turnpike near Emporia on Monday afternoon, resulting in the death of a Missouri man.
The collision took place in a construction zone, involving a motorcycle and a car. The incident highlights the dangers of construction areas and the importance of road safety.
Accident Details
The crash occurred shortly before 4:40 p.m. at mile marker 126.1, located less than a mile southwest of the Emporia gate.
This area is part of the extended lane closure zone, which was implemented after an oversized load caused significant damage to the bridge structure on April 18. The damaged bridge prompted lane closures, particularly affecting the northbound right lane.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Richard Schroeder, 60, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, was riding his motorcycle northbound in the inside lane. He was being followed by Josue Chapa, 26, of Rio Grande, Texas, in a red Mazda SUV.
The two vehicles entered the construction zone and were traveling in the left lane to avoid the closure on the right. For reasons not yet specified, Chapa’s car rear-ended Schroeder’s motorcycle, causing him to fall.
Fatalities and Injuries
Schroeder, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from his motorcycle and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. In contrast, Chapa and his passengers were unscathed in the collision.
The crash led to a complete stop of northbound traffic, with the Turnpike Authority diverting vehicles at the mile marker 122 exit for the next two and a half hours.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, and more details will be provided as they become available. The names of the passengers in Chapa’s vehicle have not yet been released.
Road Closure and Traffic Disruptions
As a result of the accident, northbound traffic was completely halted, and motorists were redirected to exit at mile marker 122. The detour lasted for over two hours, as emergency responders worked at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the crash continues.
This tragic incident underscores the risks associated with construction zones on highways. While road closures are necessary for safety, drivers must remain vigilant, especially in high-traffic areas.
The investigation into the cause of the crash continues, and further details will be released in the coming days. The Kansas Highway Patrol is working to determine exactly why the rear-end collision occurred.