Cassoday, KS (September 18, 2025) – A hydroplane accident on the Kansas Turnpike left three people injured Wednesday afternoon, including an Illinois woman who suffered serious injuries. The crash was reported around 3:40 PM on Interstate 35, about seven miles southwest of Cassoday in Butler County.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling southbound when it began to hydroplane due to speed combined with wet roadway conditions. The SUV struck the inside barrier wall and overturned before coming to rest.
A passenger, identified as Anna Wachsmuth, 80, of Hoffman Estates, IL, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Two additional occupants, driver Pamela Castro, 51, and passenger Paul Castro, 21, both of Dubuque, IA, were also taken to the hospital with injuries. Authorities confirmed that all occupants had been wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Troopers are continuing to review the circumstances of the incident.
Our thoughts are with Anna Wachsmuth and the Castro family, and we hope for their full and swift recovery.
Hydroplane Crashes on Kansas Highways
This hydroplane crash on I-35 underscores the dangers that wet roadway conditions pose for motorists across Kansas. The Kansas Turnpike, which serves as a critical north-south corridor, often sees heavy traffic at highway speeds. When rainfall reduces tire traction, even experienced drivers can lose control, leading to severe collisions like the one that injured multiple people Wednesday.
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface and ride on a thin layer of water. This condition is especially hazardous at higher speeds and can make steering or braking nearly impossible. In the case of the Chevrolet Equinox, the hydroplane led to an impact with the barrier wall and a rollover—an outcome that significantly increases the chance of injury.
While all three occupants were properly restrained, which likely prevented more serious or fatal injuries, the crash still left an elderly passenger in critical condition. This emphasizes the importance of reducing speed during rain, maintaining safe tire tread, and allowing extra distance for braking on wet pavement.
For Kansas drivers, this incident is a reminder of how quickly weather can transform normal driving conditions into life-threatening situations. Caution, preparation, and patience on the road can help reduce the risk of similar accidents.
At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to helping crash victims and their families find the support they need after serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a weather-related crash, reach out today to access trusted recovery resources and guidance.
