Meriden, KS (January 28, 2026) -Two people were injured on Tuesday afternoon in a crash involving a sport utility vehicle and a trash truck in Jefferson County, northeast of Meriden. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the collision occurred at 3:12 p.m. on the southbound K-4 Highway at the intersection of Butler Road. One occupant sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Key Details
- Location: Meriden, KS
- Where: K-4 Hwy & Butler Rd
- Type: SUV and Trash Truck Collision
- Reported: January 27 (3:12 PM)
- Injuries: Confirmed (1 serious, 1 minor)
- Responding Agency: Kansas Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- A 2014 Dodge Journey SUV collided with the rear of a 2022 Autocar trash truck.
- The trash truck had entered K-4 from Butler Rd and was struck while crossing the highway.
- One passenger in the SUV sustained serious injuries and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital.
- The SUV driver also sustained minor injuries; the truck driver was uninjured.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The full sequence of events leading to the crash
- Whether road or visibility conditions played a role
- If traffic citations were issued
- Extent of vehicle damage
Local Context
The intersection of K-4 and Butler Road sits in a rural part of Jefferson County where cross-traffic from side roads intersects high-speed highway lanes. Visibility and timing at stop signs can present challenges for larger service vehicles like trash trucks. While the area is not known for frequent collisions, this incident underscores the need for extra caution at uncontrolled or rural intersections, especially when larger commercial vehicles are involved.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, request a copy of the crash report from the Kansas Highway Patrol.
- Seek follow-up medical care even if injuries appear minor at first.
- Consult your insurance provider regarding coverage for medical and vehicle damages.
- Drive carefully at rural highway intersections and remain alert for large vehicles crossing from stop signs.
FAQ
Q: How do I request a crash report from the Kansas Highway Patrol?
A: You can request a crash report online through the Kansas Highway Patrol’s official website or by contacting their records section directly.
Q: What should I do if I sustained serious injuries in a vehicle crash?
A: Seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations. Document your injuries and expenses in case of insurance or legal follow-up.
Q: Are seat belts required for passengers in Kansas?
A: Yes, Kansas law requires all front-seat occupants and anyone under age 18 to wear seat belts, and seat belt use is strongly encouraged for all passengers.
