Liberal, KS (January 11, 2026) – A serious crash involving a semi-truck left two 18-year-olds hospitalized on Saturday morning after their vehicles were struck while stopped at a red light in Liberal, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred around 7:33 a.m. at the junction of US-83 and US-54. Authorities say both teenagers, each driving separate vehicles, were stopped at the traffic light when a semi-truck approached from behind and failed to stop. The truck collided with the rear of the first teen’s car, which then forcefully struck the second teen’s vehicle ahead.
Emergency medical services responded promptly and transported both teens, identified as residents of Liberal, to a nearby hospital for treatment. One of the victims reportedly suffered serious injuries, while the other sustained less severe trauma.
The semi-truck driver remained at the scene, and the Kansas Highway Patrol is actively investigating the crash to determine the contributing factors, including whether driver inattention or speed played a role.
Our thoughts are with both young individuals as they recover, and we hope for their full and speedy healing.
