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Wichita, KS (March 25, 2026) – Two people were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash involving a semi-truck late on Tuesday, March 24, in Wichita. The incident occurred around 11:05 p.m. on the southbound Interstate 135 near East 53rd Street North.
According to reports, a Kawasaki motorcycle was entering the interstate from East 53rd Street North when it failed to yield while merging into traffic. As the motorcycle approached the southbound lanes, it swerved to avoid a semi-truck traveling in the same direction.
The rider lost control of the motorcycle, causing it to crash. Both the driver, 21-year-old Joan L.S. Rodriguez, and the passenger, 18-year-old Madelin A. Gonzalez of Wichita, were ejected from the bike.
Emergency units transported Rodriguez to Wesley Medical Center and Gonzalez to Ascension Via Christi Hospital in St. Francis, both with serious injuries. No further details about the semi-truck have been released.
The crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
Why Highway Merging Can Be Risky for Motorcyclists
Transitional zones between on-ramps and highways, such as Interstate 135 near East 53rd Street North, can increase crash risk. In Wichita, crews often manage merging traffic carefully when incidents occur in these areas.
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than larger vehicles, which can make merging more difficult. Riders must judge speed and distance quickly while entering fast-moving traffic.
Loss of control can happen if a rider makes sudden movements to avoid another vehicle. Protective gear, such as helmets, can reduce the severity of injuries, but high-speed conditions on highways can still lead to serious outcomes.
