Coffey Co., KS (August 30, 2026) – An 80-year-old woman was killed on Friday evening, August 28, in a head-on crash involving a semi-truck on Interstate 35 in Coffey County. The collision was reported at approximately 8:32 p.m.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2015 Toyota Highlander was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-35 when it collided head-on with a northbound 2024 Freightliner semi-truck.
The Toyota came to rest in the northbound lanes. The semi-truck overturned and came to rest on its side, blocking both southbound lanes.
The Toyota driver died from her injuries. Authorities said she was wearing a seat belt. The 42-year-old semi-truck driver had no apparent injuries and was also restrained.
We extend our sincere condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones.
The Injury Risks of Head-On Crashes Involving Large Trucks
Head-on crashes can involve substantial forces because vehicles traveling in opposite directions close distance rapidly before impact.
When one of the vehicles is a semi-truck, the difference in size and weight can further increase the forces experienced by occupants of a smaller passenger vehicle.
Travel speed, impact angle, vehicle weight, restraint use, and the amount of structural intrusion can all affect injury severity. Wrong-way crashes on interstates can be especially dangerous because drivers may have little time or space to react before a collision happens.
