Emporia, KS (September 11, 2025) – Two individuals were injured early Thursday morning in a violent pickup truck crash along northbound Interstate 35 on the Kansas Turnpike in southwest Lyon County, authorities confirmed.
The crash occurred around 3:23 a.m., approximately 11 miles southwest of Emporia. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2003 Chevrolet pickup was heading north on I-35 when the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The truck veered off the right side of the roadway, prompting the driver to overcorrect.
As a result, the pickup crossed both northbound lanes and struck the median barrier wall multiple times—five in total, according to officials. The vehicle then overturned onto its roof after the final impact with the barrier.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene and treated two occupants for injuries. The driver, 25-year-old Ricardo Gallardo Jr. of San Juan, TX, and passenger, 20-year-old Joel Sanchez of Alamo, TX, both sustained what were described as minor injuries. They were transported to Newman Hospital in Emporia for further evaluation. Authorities confirmed that both individuals were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident.
We wish both injured parties a swift and complete recovery following this serious event.
Rollover Collisions and Drowsy Driving in Kansas
The rollover accident on I-35 near Emporia reflects two of the most dangerous factors in motor vehicle safety: driver fatigue and overcorrection. In this case, the pickup truck’s driver reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel—one of the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes nationwide.
Rural stretches of interstate like the Kansas Turnpike may seem quiet, but the risk of high-speed collisions remains elevated, especially during overnight and early morning hours when driver alertness can drop. Overcorrection—when a driver reacts too sharply after drifting from their lane—frequently results in rollovers, as seen in this incident.
Although the individuals involved in this crash fortunately sustained only minor injuries, rollover accidents can be fatal or lead to long-term impairments, particularly when seat belts are not in use. In this case, the proper use of restraints likely played a key role in reducing the severity of injuries.
Fatigue-related crashes are entirely preventable, and awareness campaigns continue to emphasize the importance of rest, especially for long-distance drivers. Even short naps or pulling over to switch drivers can make a critical difference in avoiding tragedy.
If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by a fatigued driver or rollover event, it’s important to know your options for care and recovery.
Local Accident Reports is dedicated to supporting victims of serious vehicle accidents. We can help you connect with trusted recovery resources and legal guidance tailored to your situation. Contact us today to begin your path toward healing and support.
