Authorities identify the 8 victims of March’s 71-car pile up

by Derek White

On March 14, 2025, a catastrophic 71-vehicle pileup occurred on Interstate 70 near Goodland, Kansas, during a powerful dust storm. The incident left eight people dead, and 46 others injured. The crash, which took place between 3:20 p.m. and 3:35 p.m. near the Sherman County Road 30 overpass, has raised serious concerns about highway safety during adverse weather conditions.

Authorities from the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) released the names of the eight victims on April 14, exactly one month after the crash. The victims were identified as follows:

Larry D. Smith, 72, of Sharon Springs, Kansas, driving a 2012 Ford F-150.
Dawson R. Hogan, 20, of Salina, Kansas, driving a 2016 Acura TLX.
Baiel Sharshembiev, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, driving a 2015 Volvo semitrailer.
Carlos S. Arzate, 48, of Shattuck, Oklahoma, driving a 2024 Ford F-350.
Manuel Alarcon, 57, of Dodge City, Kansas, a passenger in Arzate’s F-350.
Stephanie D. Purcell, 61, of Evansville, Indiana, driving a 2015 Toyota Highlander.
Mario Juarez, 31, of Garden City, Kansas, a passenger in a 2019 Ford F-150.
Giovanni S. Stefan, 60, of Troy, Michigan, driving a 2024 Mercedes Sprinter van.

The Kansas Highway Patrol has stated that they are still investigating the exact sequence of events leading to the pileup, as the dust storm made visibility nearly impossible. The incident, which spanned over a 15-minute period, involved multiple collisions occurring between 3:20 p.m. and 3:35 p.m., with separate crashes taking place as the dust storm continued to wreak havoc on the highway.

While details of the exact circumstances surrounding each individual collision remain under investigation, the KHP confirmed that the pileup occurred on a stretch of I-70 about nine miles east of Goodland. The dust storm that caused the reduced visibility had already been affecting driving conditions, but the sheer number of vehicles involved suggests that the sudden onset of the storm caught many drivers off-guard.

In addition to the eight fatalities, 46 people were injured in the crash and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The severity of the injuries has not been fully disclosed, but the crash involved vehicles ranging from passenger cars to large trucks and semitrailers. Emergency responders, including local law enforcement and medical teams, worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the pileup.

The tragedy has raised important questions about safety measures during inclement weather, especially concerning the role of dust storms in reducing visibility to near zero. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that unpredictable weather conditions can pose to drivers, particularly on highways with heavy traffic.

At the time of the accident, the Kansas Highway Patrol was able to release some basic details about the incident but has promised further investigation. As more information becomes available, the public will continue to await additional details about the sequence of events that led to the fatal pileup.

The community in Goodland and surrounding areas remains shaken by the tragedy. Local residents have been reaching out to support the families of the victims, offering condolences and assistance as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, many are calling for improved weather alert systems and enhanced road safety measures to help prevent such devastating events in the future.

As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided by the Kansas Highway Patrol. Authorities continue to ask for any additional information that might help shed light on the exact circumstances surrounding this tragic event.