Lenexa, KS (February 14, 2026) – An 18-year-old woman was injured Friday morning in a hit-and-run crash on northbound I-35 near College Blvd, and the Kansas Highway Patrol is searching for the driver who fled the scene.
Key Details
- Location: NB I-35 near College Blvd, Lenexa
- Reported: Friday, February 13, just after 11:35 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: 2004 Toyota Camry and an unknown vehicle
- Injured: Makenna Estes, 18, of Olathe
- Transport: Taken to Olathe hospital with suspected minor injuries
- Investigating Agency: Kansas Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- State troopers said an unknown vehicle made an unsafe lane change and struck the driver’s side of the Camry.
- The impact pushed the Camry across two lanes of traffic before it ran off the right side of the highway and hit a guardrail.
- The other driver left the scene without stopping.
- The injured driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- A description of the suspect vehicle or driver
- Whether investigators have identified any witnesses
- If charges have been filed
- Whether additional evidence, such as video, has been recovered
Local Context
The stretch of I-35 near College Blvd in Lenexa is a heavily traveled freeway corridor in Johnson County, connecting drivers to Overland Park, Olathe, and downtown Kansas City. Northbound lanes in this area often carry steady late-morning traffic, with vehicles merging and changing lanes near interchanges and business access points. A crash that sends a vehicle across multiple lanes and into a guardrail can quickly create hazardous conditions for surrounding drivers. With the Kansas Highway Patrol leading the investigation, authorities are working to identify the driver who allegedly fled after the collision along this busy segment of I-35.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with first responders. Leaving before the police arrive can create serious legal consequences.
- Save any dashcam footage immediately so it is not overwritten.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: What should drivers do when approaching an active crash scene?
A: Drivers should slow down, move over if possible, and remain alert for emergency vehicles and debris to help protect responders and those involved.
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Freeway crashes often involve higher speeds and heavy traffic, which increases the risk of serious injuries and secondary collisions as vehicles approach suddenly slowed or stopped traffic.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: When a crash is under investigation, officers are reviewing evidence, statements, and roadway conditions to determine how the incident occurred and whether any traffic laws were violated.
