In the early hours of Sunday, February 23, 2025, a fatal single-vehicle accident occurred in Seward County, Kansas, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old driver.
Accident Details
The incident took place shortly before 2 a.m. at the intersection of Seward County Road 9 and U.S. Highway 83. A 2009 Dodge Charger, driven by Augustus J. Riley of Liberal, Kansas, was traveling eastbound on County Road 9.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), the vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign at the junction with U.S. Highway 83.
The car became airborne upon crossing the highway, landed east of the roadway, and subsequently lost control. It skidded into a ditch, rolled multiple times, and collided with a power pole before coming to a halt.
Driver Information
The driver, identified as 16-year-old Augustus J. Riley, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The KHP confirmed that Riley was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Accident Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | February 23, 2025, just before 2 a.m. |
| Location | Intersection of Seward County Road 9 and U.S. Highway 83, Seward County, Kansas |
| Vehicle Involved | 2009 Dodge Charger |
| Driver | Augustus J. Riley, 16, from Liberal, Kansas |
| Incident Description | Vehicle failed to stop at stop sign, became airborne, lost control, skidded into ditch, rolled multiple times, struck power pole |
| Outcome | Driver pronounced dead at the scene |
| Seatbelt Usage | Driver was wearing a seatbelt |
Safety Considerations
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of adhering to traffic control devices, such as stop signs, to prevent accidents.
Even with seatbelt usage, the dynamics of high-speed rollovers and collisions with fixed objects like power poles can result in fatal outcomes.
FAQs
What caused the accident?
The vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign, became airborne, lost control, skidded into a ditch, rolled multiple times, and struck a power pole.
Was the driver wearing a seatbelt?
Yes, the Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed that the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Were there any passengers in the vehicle?
The reports do not mention any passengers; the information available pertains only to the driver.