Geary County, KS (March 13, 2026) – Minor injuries were reported after a multi-vehicle crash on Thursday night, March 12, along the K-18 Bypass near mile marker 177 in Geary County.
Emergency units responded around 8:29 p.m. after reports of a collision involving three vehicles. Officials said Trisha Kiser of Delphos was traveling east in a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox when she struck a 2022 Buick Encore driven by Jenee Martin of Manhattan.
Authorities said Martin’s vehicle then hit a 2014 Ford F-150 driven by Rodney Young of Junction City. Investigators reported that both the Buick and the Ford were stopped while waiting for a vehicle to turn left onto Interstate 70.
Kiser and a juvenile passenger were taken to Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus in Junction City for treatment. Their injuries were described as minor. The damaged Chevrolet and Buick were later removed from the scene by a tow service.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our thoughts remain with those affected as they recover.
Why Rear-End Collisions Often Involve Multiple Vehicles
Roadways such as the K-18 Bypass frequently carry steady traffic, during which vehicles may slow or stop while waiting for turns or traffic signals. When drivers approach stopped vehicles at normal travel speeds, a sudden slowdown can lead to rear-end collisions.
In some cases, the initial impact pushes a stopped vehicle forward into another vehicle ahead. This chain reaction can quickly involve several vehicles, especially when traffic is close together.
Rear-end crashes are common in areas where drivers are preparing to turn onto highways or busy roads. Reaction time, following distance, and awareness of slowing traffic ahead can influence whether a driver can stop before reaching stopped vehicles.
