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St. Francis, KS (August 20, 2026) – Two teenage boys were seriously hurt on Tuesday afternoon, August 18, after a pickup truck and a semi collided east of St. Francis on U.S. Highway 36.
The Kansas Highway Patrol said the wreck happened around 1:45 p.m. between County Road 18 and the junction with Kansas Highway 27. A Dodge Ram had pulled off U.S. 36 at a field entrance on the south side and was attempting a U-turn when an eastbound semitruck tried to avoid it.
The semi struck the driver’s side of the pickup near the front axle. The force sent the Dodge Ram spinning before both vehicles came to rest in the ditch.
The two teens, ages 17 and 16, were both from St. Francis. They were taken to a local hospital for serious injuries. The investigation into the cause of the accident remains underway, with additional details expected as the review continues.
Our thoughts are with the two teens as they recover from their injuries.
What Factors Are Reviewed After a Semi-Truck Accident?
Investigations into serious truck accidents usually examine vehicle positions, roadway conditions, traffic movements, and damage to each vehicle. Investigators may also review whether drivers were using seat belts and whether traffic rules were followed before the wreck.
Truck size and weight can affect how vehicles move during a collision. Damage patterns may help show where the vehicles made contact and how each one moved afterwards. Skid marks, debris, photographs, and measurements can provide additional information about the sequence of events.
Driver actions are also commonly examined, including turning movements, speed, visibility, and attempts to avoid another vehicle. Records involving commercial trucks may provide further details about the vehicle and its operation. Medical records can also document the severity of injuries when people are taken to a hospital.
