Marina
At approximately 8:30 PM, the first incident was reported near mile marker 116.5 southbound on the Kansas Turnpike, located just over 10 miles southwest of the Emporia gate.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) crash report, Troy Hitesman, 38, of Topeka, was driving a 2016 Nissan Rogue when the vehicle hydroplaned due to heavy rainfall.
The SUV veered off the road to the right, entered a ditch, and overturned. While it’s not confirmed whether Hitesman had to be rescued or exited the vehicle on his own, he was transported to Newman Regional Health with possible injuries. The report confirmed that he was wearing a seatbelt during the accident.
Crash #2: Second Hydroplane Collision Minutes Later
Just ten minutes after the initial crash, another accident occurred approximately a mile farther down, at mile marker 117.7 southbound.
A 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Robin Craig Keehn, 70, of Fort Worth, Texas, hydroplaned and hit the concrete barrier on the Kansas Turnpike.
Following the impact, the Traverse slid off the road, entered a ditch, and came to rest in an upright position. The airbags deployed upon impact.
Both Keehn and his passenger, 71-year-old Patricia Opal Keehn, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Newman Regional Health. Seatbelts were in use by both individuals at the time of the crash.
Crash #3: Semi Truck Tips Over on US Highway 50
Nearly an hour later, emergency personnel were called to another serious accident on US Highway 50 in Emporia, located between the US 50 roundabout and Overlander Road. A semi-truck overturned, prompting another round of emergency response.
Details surrounding this third crash remain limited, but one individual was transported to Newman Regional Health with undisclosed injuries.
Common Factor: Dangerous Weather Conditions
All three accidents occurred during moderate to heavy rainfall, which has persisted across the area and is expected to continue throughout the Memorial Day weekend. The wet road conditions appear to have played a significant role in each of the crashes.
The series of rain-related accidents on Memorial Day underscores the dangers posed by wet driving conditions. With multiple hospitalizations and ongoing investigations, drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, especially during inclement weather. Local emergency teams continue to respond swiftly, ensuring public safety remains a top priority.