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Wichita, KS (June 12, 2026) – A 14-year-old passenger was seriously injured in a three-vehicle accident on K-96 in northeast Wichita on Wednesday evening.
The collision was reported at approximately 5:25 p.m. near North Woodlawn Boulevard. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2014 Nissan Altima was traveling westbound on K-96 when it approached a 2000 Buick Century that was slowing in traffic. The Buick had come to a stop behind a 2014 Ford E-350 Econoline van that was already stopped.
Troopers said the Nissan changed lanes and struck the Buick, pushing it into the rear of the Ford van. Miguel Chavez-Arellano, 14, of Newton, was riding in the Nissan and was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Nissan, Emilie Caitlin Chavez-Arellano, 18, of Newton, was not injured.
Investigators reported that neither occupant of the Nissan was wearing a seat belt. The Buick’s driver, Atiera Joy Langenberg, 21, of Wichita, and the Ford van’s driver, Angela Marie Thomas, 43, of Wichita, were not hurt. Arlan DavidLee Horned Antelope, 18, of Wichita, a passenger in the van, was also uninjured. All occupants of the Buick and van were wearing seat belts.
Troopers continue to review the factors that contributed to the three-vehicle wreck. We extend our best wishes to the injured teen and hope for a full recovery.
How Seat Belts Help Reduce Injuries in Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Seat belts are one of the most effective safety features available in modern vehicles. During a collision, they help keep occupants in their seats and reduce the risk of striking interior surfaces or being thrown around inside the vehicle.
In chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles, occupants may experience multiple forceful impacts as vehicles strike one another in succession. Proper restraint use can help lessen the severity of injuries by distributing crash forces across stronger parts of the body.
Safety experts consistently emphasize that seat belts work best when worn correctly on every trip, regardless of distance or speed. In many investigations involving serious injuries, restraint use is reviewed because it can provide valuable insight into injury outcomes. Combined with airbags and other vehicle safety systems, seat belts remain a key factor in occupant protection during roadway accidents.
