MIDWAY, Woodford County, Ky., Sept. 18, 2026 — One person died Thursday morning, September 17, in a two-vehicle crash on I-64 westbound in Woodford County, according to authorities. The crash involved a semi-truck and an SUV near the Midway exit.
State police said troopers were called to the scene around 9:45 a.m. near the 61-mile marker on I-64 West. A preliminary investigation indicates a white GMC SUV and a semi-truck collided in the westbound lanes, authorities said.
The SUV driver, identified by authorities as a 36-year-old Versailles woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver, identified as a 47-year-old man from Wentzville, Missouri, reportedly did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Both westbound lanes were shut down while crews cleared the scene. The roadway has since reopened, authorities said. The crash remains under investigation, and no cause has been released.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
A Common Misconception About Truck Crash Injuries
Many drivers assume that if a semi-truck driver walks away largely unhurt, the crash itself could not have been that severe. In reality, the size and weight difference between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle often means the truck occupant escapes serious injury while the other driver does not, regardless of how forceful the impact was.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28,595 large-truck occupants were injured in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. That figure reflects injuries to people riding in or on the trucks themselves, a reminder that truck occupants are not immune to harm even though outcomes for the smaller vehicle are typically worse.
The mismatch in mass, not the speed or the road conditions alone, usually explains why injury outcomes differ so much between the two vehicles in these crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
It can. Long hours behind the wheel are a known factor in commercial truck crashes, though fatigue is only confirmed when investigators or logs establish it. It should not be assumed in any specific case without an official finding.
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck?
Call 911, stay clear of traffic lanes if possible, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Get the police report number and, if you're able, note the truck company and driver information for your records.
Why do large trucks need more distance to stop than cars?
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car, which means it needs significantly more distance to slow down or stop, especially at highway speeds or in wet conditions.
What makes truck crashes different from typical car accidents?
The size and weight gap between a truck and a passenger vehicle means the smaller vehicle's occupants generally absorb more force in a collision, which is why injuries tend to be more severe for them than for the truck's occupants.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Crash in Midway, KY
If you're involved in or witness a crash like this one, move to a safe location away from traffic if you're able, and call for emergency help right away. Even if you feel fine, a medical check is worth it, since some injuries from a vehicle collision aren't obvious right away.
Keep any documentation from the scene, including photos and the responding agency's report number, in case you need it later. Woodford County and Kentucky State Police both handle crash reports on I-64, so following up with the agency that responded is the most reliable way to get updates on an investigation.
