Topeka, KS (February 4, 2026) – Two people were injured in separate but connected incidents late on Tuesday night on westbound I-70 near Stubbs Rd, just east of Topeka. The first crash occurred around 10:35 p.m. when a 2013 Lincoln MKZ struck the concrete barrier and became disabled in the roadway. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Jodie Carter of Topeka, was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital with suspected minor injuries.
Shortly afterward, around 10:45 p.m., the disabled Lincoln, now being pushed off the road by a passenger, was struck from behind by a 2014 Ford Focus. The man pushing the vehicle, 50-year-old Douglas Rake of Topeka, sustained suspected minor injuries and was also transported to the hospital. The driver of the Ford, 19-year-old Riley High of Tonganoxie, was reportedly wearing her seat belt and had a possible injury, though no transport was noted.
Key Details
- Location: Topeka, KS
- Where: WB I-70 near Stubbs Rd
- Type: Two-Vehicle Crash With Injuries
- Reported: February 3 – 10:45 PM
- Injuries: Confirmed
- Responding Agency: Kansas Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- A 2013 Lincoln MKZ hit the concrete barrier and became disabled on I-70.
- Driver Jodie Carter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
- Passenger Douglas Rake was injured while pushing the disabled car and was also hospitalized.
- A 2014 Ford Focus struck the Lincoln from behind while it was being moved off the road.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether the second crash resulted in any citations or fault determination.
- Whether weather or road conditions contributed to either crash.
- If additional passengers were involved or injured in either vehicle.
- How long was traffic impacted on the westbound I-70 near Stubbs Rd.
Local Context
The stretch of I-70 near Stubbs Rd in Shawnee County can see heavy overnight traffic, particularly from long-haul and intercity drivers. Tuesday night’s back-to-back incidents highlight the dangers of disabled vehicles remaining on the roadway. After the Lincoln MKZ collided with a barrier and became disabled, a passenger attempting to move the car was struck in a second impact just minutes later. Emergency responders, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, managed both scenes and facilitated medical transport. The investigation continues as officials assess contributing factors and scene dynamics.
What to Do Next
- Always activate hazard lights and call for roadside assistance if your vehicle is disabled on a highway.
- If exiting to move a vehicle, stay alert for oncoming traffic and move quickly to safety afterward.
- Seek medical care for any injury, even if it feels minor, as symptoms can worsen.
- Request a copy of the crash report from the Kansas Highway Patrol for insurance or legal purposes.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if my vehicle becomes disabled on the highway?
A: Turn on your hazard lights, remain in your vehicle if it’s safe, and call for assistance. If you must exit, use extreme caution and stay clear of traffic.
Q: Can I be held liable if I hit a disabled vehicle?
A: Liability depends on the circumstances. Authorities will review factors like lighting, visibility, traffic conditions, and vehicle placement before determining responsibility.
Q: How can I get an official crash report in Kansas?
A: You can request a copy through the Kansas Highway Patrol website or by contacting their Records section with the date and location of the incident.
