Patrick
A deadly overnight crash on the west side of Emporia has claimed the life of a 64-year-old man. The Kansas Highway Patrol has officially released the victim’s identity following the tragic incident that occurred early Monday morning.
Authorities confirmed that Pedro Ocampo, a resident of Berwyn, Illinois, died after the semitrailer he was operating overturned near a major interstate interchange.
Crash Location and Timing
Accident Reported Shortly After Midnight
The fatal collision was reported at 12:14 a.m. Monday. The incident took place on the entry ramp that connects Interstate 35 (I-35) to Interstate 335 (I-335) on Emporia’s west side, a stretch known for its sharp merging curves and frequent heavy-vehicle traffic.
Sequence of Events
Semitrailer Loses Control on the Ramp
According to investigators, Ocampo was heading southbound on I-35 in a semitrailer as he approached the interchange with I-335. While navigating the ramp, the vehicle entered the curve at an unsafe speed, causing the driver to lose control.
Collision and Overturn
The semitrailer veered off the roadway, striking three poles before overturning. The vehicle eventually came to rest in a ditch near the ramp’s edge. Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Ocampo to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities Respond
Kansas Highway Patrol Investigation
The Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash, including whether road conditions, speed, or mechanical issues may have contributed. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
The tragic crash near the I-35 and I-335 interchange resulted in the death of 64-year-old Pedro Ocampo, marking another somber reminder of the risks associated with navigating high-speed interstate ramps.
As the Kansas Highway Patrol continues its investigation, the incident underscores the importance of caution and reduced speed when approaching curved entry ramps, especially for operators of heavy commercial vehicles.
