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Wichita, KS (February 23, 2026) – One person was seriously injured on Sunday afternoon in a crash on northbound I-135 near the Kellogg exit. The collision occurred around 2:37 p.m. on February 22.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a car was traveling east on Kellogg and exited onto the northbound I-135. Another vehicle was already traveling north on I-135 and slowed down to allow the first car to merge. Investigators said the first vehicle then made an unsafe lane change and struck the second car.
The impact caused the second vehicle to swerve left, hit the canal wall, and fall into the canal. No one inside the first car was injured. The 66-year-old driver of the second vehicle was taken to a hospital with a suspected serious injury.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of the injured driver as they receive medical care.
How Unsafe Lane Changes Can Lead to Severe Highway Crashes
Highway merging areas often create sudden shifts in traffic patterns. Drivers entering from exit ramps must adjust speed and position carefully to blend with vehicles already on the roadway.
An unsafe lane change can cause side-impact collisions, which may force vehicles out of control. On elevated highways or roadways near barriers, a sudden swerve can result in secondary impacts with walls, guardrails, or other structures.
High-speed environments like I-135 leave little room for correction once contact is made. Even when another driver slows to allow a merge, both motorists must maintain awareness of surrounding traffic.
Using turn signals early, checking blind spots, and making gradual lane adjustments can help reduce the risk of serious crashes during merging situations on busy highways.
