NORTHWEST KANSAS — Strong winds sweeping across northwest Kansas on Sunday afternoon are being blamed for two separate crashes along Interstate 70 that left three people injured, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).
Both incidents involved vehicles losing control and rolling over due to severe gusts.
Logan County Crash
The first accident occurred just after 1:30 p.m., approximately one mile east of Kansas Highway 216.
- The Incident: Stephen Blackwell, 78, of Cortez, Colorado, was driving eastbound in a 2022 Chevy Silverado pulling a trailer. High winds caused the trailer to begin rolling. As the driver attempted to correct the vehicle, the trailer broke loose and spun, coming to rest in the driving lane. The pickup truck subsequently entered the median and rolled over.
- Injuries: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported Stephen Blackwell and his passenger, 77-year-old Melba Blackwell, also of Cortez, to the Logan County Health Center.
- Safety Status: The KHP confirmed both occupants were properly restrained at the time of the crash.
Trego County Crash
Shortly after, just after 2:00 p.m., a second wind-related crash occurred on westbound I-70, about one mile east of Voda Road in Trego County.
- The Incident: Reynol Garcia, 48, of Kansas City, Missouri, was driving a 2022 Freightliner semi-truck when he lost control of the vehicle due to the high winds. The semi spun clockwise before overturning.
- Injuries: Garcia was transported by EMS to Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital for treatment.
- Safety Status: According to the KHP, Garcia was not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred.
