Two people were killed Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash that shut down U.S. 160 east of Wellington for several hours.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s preliminary report, an eastbound vehicle on 160 went left of center for an unknown reason and struck a westbound vehicle near the highway’s intersection with S. Oliver Rd. Both vehicles came to rest in the south ditch, where they caught fire.
Those who died were not identified by name, thus far. The KHP report has to this point provided limited information.
In a separate media release, Wellington Fire/EMS said crews were dispatched at 9:57 a.m. for a report of a two-vehicle accident that was later upgraded to include vehicles on fire. Responding units found a box truck and a pickup truck fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene.
No firefighters were injured.
The Kansas Highway Patrol closed the highway between Hillside and Oliver while investigating.
Wellington Fire/EMS responded with one engine, one rescue unit, one ambulance, and two chief’s vehicles. They were assisted by KDOT, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
