Two Injured in I-70 Construction Zone Crash in Thomas County

by Derek White

A construction zone collision on Interstate 70 in Thomas County sent two men to the hospital Friday afternoon, following a crash involving a commercial truck and a stationary milling machine.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 1:44 p.m. on April 11, near mile marker 73.5 eastbound, approximately 4.2 miles east of the U.S. 83 junction. The crash site was within an active road construction zone.

Authorities say a 2003 Mack truck, driven by 50-year-old Todd Alan Westphal of Hoisington, was traveling eastbound on I-70 when it failed to stop and rear-ended a stationary milling machine. After the initial collision, the truck veered off the roadway to the left, crossed the median and both westbound lanes, and eventually overturned onto its passenger side in the east ditch.

Westphal was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and sustained what were described as suspected minor injuries. He was transported to Logan County Hospital for treatment.

Also injured was 20-year-old Caden Wilson McGee of Great Bend, who was operating the milling machine at the time of the collision. McGee also suffered suspected minor injuries and was taken to Logan County Hospital.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, which serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present in road construction zones. The Kansas Highway Patrol urges all drivers to use extreme caution, reduce speed, and stay alert when traveling through these high-risk areas.