Saline Co., KS (April 24, 2026) – Two people were hurt in a three-vehicle crash on Thursday afternoon, April 23, on Interstate 235 near the U.S. 54 bridge in Saline County.
Emergency units responded just before 4:30 p.m. after a chain-reaction collision in the northbound lanes. According to reports, a Nissan Altima driven by 19-year-old Braydon Borntrager of Wichita was slowing for traffic when it struck a BMW driven by 17-year-old Cody Wisley, who was also reducing speed ahead.
The impact pushed the BMW into a Peterbilt semi driven by 40-year-old Brian Dick of Newton, who was merging onto northbound Interstate 235 from the eastbound U.S. 54 ramp. Wisley and Borntrager were taken to a hospital for treatment, while the semi driver was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation. Additional details may become available as authorities continue their review. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
How Chain-Reaction Crashes Happen on Busy Highways
Chain-reaction crashes often occur when traffic slows quickly, and drivers do not have enough distance between vehicles. When one car brakes suddenly, the following vehicles may not have enough time to stop.
Merging areas can increase this risk, as drivers adjust their speed to enter traffic. Vehicles already on the roadway may need to slow down, creating a ripple effect behind them.
Maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert can help reduce these types of crashes. Even a small gap between vehicles can provide enough time to react and avoid a collision.
