Hailey
Teen Driver Injured: A 19-year-old woman from Liberal was injured late Tuesday night in a two-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 335 in Lyon County, Kansas, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The accident took place along the Kansas Turnpike, about four miles north of the Admire exit, just before midnight.
Details of the Crash
Officials said the crash happened at around 11:50 p.m. when a 2008 Lexus LS460 hit the rear of a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer traveling north on Interstate 335.
The sudden collision caused both vehicles to spin out of control, skidding across the lanes before plunging into a grassy ditch beside the highway.
Witnesses described seeing debris scattered across the road as the Trailblazer flipped over, landing on its driver’s side. The Lexus came to rest nearby, heavily damaged at the front.
Within minutes, emergency responders and Kansas Highway Patrol officers arrived to secure the area and assist the injured drivers.
Injuries and Hospitalization
The driver of the Trailblazer, identified as Elizabeth Mannel, 19, of Liberal, Kansas, sustained minor injuries in the crash.
She was taken to Newman Regional Hospital in Emporia for treatment. Authorities confirmed that Mannel was wearing her seat belt, which likely prevented more serious harm.
The driver of the Lexus, Chester Wood, 46, of Kansas City, Missouri, suffered possible injuries but was not transported to the hospital. The Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed that Wood was also buckled up at the time of the accident.
Crash Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Tuesday, 11:50 p.m. |
| Location | Northbound I-335, 4 miles north of Admire exit |
| Vehicles Involved | 2008 Lexus LS460, 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer |
| Drivers | Elizabeth Mannel (19, Liberal, KS) and Chester Wood (46, Kansas City, MO) |
| Injuries | Mannel – Minor (hospitalized); Wood – Possible (not hospitalized) |
| Seat Belts | Both drivers were wearing seat belts |
| Hospital | Newman Regional Hospital, Emporia |
| Roadway | Kansas Turnpike, Lyon County |
Investigation and Safety Reminder
The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the collision that occurred late Tuesday night on the Kansas Turnpike. Early findings point toward a rear-end impact, suggesting that one driver may not have noticed the slowing traffic ahead in time.
Investigators are also looking into whether driver distraction, such as the use of a cellphone, fatigue, or reduced visibility, could have played a role in the crash.
Officials explained that nighttime driving conditions are particularly challenging, especially on long stretches of highway where lighting is limited. Drivers often experience slower reaction times, and visibility is reduced, making it harder to judge distances accurately.
The patrol stressed the importance of keeping a safe following distance to allow enough time to react if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or stops.
In their statement, the Kansas Highway Patrol also emphasized how seat belts made a major difference in preventing serious injuries. They reminded motorists that most fatalities in rollover crashes involve unbuckled occupants.
“Seat belts save lives every day,” a patrol spokesperson said. “Even a short drive can turn dangerous, and buckling up should always be the first thing you do when you get in your vehicle.”
Road Safety in Lyon County
The Kansas Turnpike has seen several nighttime accidents in recent months, often linked to speeding, drowsy driving, or distracted motorists.
The Kansas Department of Transportation continues to urge drivers to follow posted speed limits, rest when tired, and avoid using phones while behind the wheel.
Lyon County emergency teams also reminded the public that even a momentary distraction can cause a life-changing event. Local hospitals and law enforcement agencies frequently coordinate to ensure swift emergency response along this major highway corridor.
This Lyon County rollover crash serves as a reminder of how quickly accidents can happen—even to careful drivers. Fortunately, both individuals involved were wearing seat belts, preventing more severe outcomes.
As investigations continue, officials hope the incident encourages all motorists to practice safe driving habits, especially on high-speed routes like the Kansas Turnpike.