A devastating accident on the Kansas Turnpike near Mulvane claimed the lives of a baby and a 58-year-old woman and left 10 others injured.
The tragic incident occurred around midnight on I-35 near mile marker 32, just south of the Kansas Star Casino.
Authorities and emergency services worked tirelessly to respond to the multi-vehicle collision that involved a van, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and potentially a semi-truck.
Details of the Incident
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that a Chevy Express van towing a trailer had overturned in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike.
As a Jeep Grand Cherokee attempted to avoid the overturned van, it collided with the vehicle, intensifying the chaos.
Two individuals in the van lost their lives in the crash:
- 58-year-old Ernestina Eumana-Alvarez, and
- Baby Christian Gutierrez, an infant under the age of 1.
Both victims were from Minneapolis, Minnesota and were confirmed to be related.
Injuries Sustained in the Crash
Among the seven others in the van, injuries ranged from serious to minor:
- 55-year-old male driver of the van: Serious injuries
- 67-year-old woman: Serious injuries
- 47-year-old man: Serious injuries
- 27-year-old woman: Serious injuries
- 63-year-old man: Serious injuries
- 64-year-old woman: Minor injuries
- 1-year-old boy: Minor injuries
The Jeep Grand Cherokee carried three passengers who suffered minor injuries, though only one, a 61-year-old man, was transported to a hospital.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Responding agencies included Mulvane Emergency Services, Wellington, Derby, and emergency teams from Sumner and Sedgwick Counties. The southbound lanes of I-35 were closed for hours and reopened around 7:30 a.m. on the same day.
Although Mulvane Emergency Services initially mentioned that a semi hauling cattle was involved, it was not listed in the Kansas Highway Patrol’s official report. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Key Takeaways and Updates
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Midnight, January 1, 2025 |
| Location | I-35, Mile Marker 32, near Mulvane, KS |
| Vehicles Involved | Chevy Express van, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Fatalities | 58-year-old woman, infant under 1 year |
| Injured | 10 individuals transported to hospitals |
| Road Closure | Southbound lanes reopened at 7:30 a.m. |
| Status | Investigation ongoing |
Impact on the Community
The tragedy underscores the dangers of nighttime travel and highlights the importance of road safety, especially during high-traffic periods like New Year’s celebrations.
The Kansas Turnpike Authority and local emergency services have urged drivers to exercise caution, particularly on busy routes like I-35.
The crash on the Kansas Turnpike near Mulvane is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of the roads.
As the community mourns the loss of Ernestina Eumana-Alvarez and baby Christian Gutierrez, our thoughts go out to their families and all those affected by this tragedy.
Authorities continue their investigation to bring clarity and potentially prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
What caused the crash on the Kansas Turnpike?
The cause is still under investigation, but it involved a Chevy Express van overturning and a Jeep Grand Cherokee colliding with it.
Were all injured individuals transported to hospitals?
Seven individuals from the van and one from the Jeep were taken to local hospitals, while two others refused transport.
Were any other vehicles involved in the crash?
Initial reports suggested a semi-truck hauling cattle might have been involved, but this was not confirmed in the final crash log.
