Topeka, KS (May 19, 2026) – Two people were injured Monday afternoon following a four-vehicle crash in a construction zone along Interstate 70 in East Topeka.
According to reports, the collision happened around 3:18 p.m. on eastbound I-70 just west of SE California Ave. Investigators said a 2018 Nissan Altima slowed because of construction traffic when it was struck from behind by a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
Officials said a Nissan Frontier then rear-ended the Silverado, causing the pickup to spin and face westbound in the eastbound lanes. A 2016 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck later struck the rear of the Nissan Frontier.
The driver of the Silverado, identified as 66-year-old David M. Ross of Johnstown, Colorado, was taken to Stormont Vail Hospital with suspected minor injuries. A 2-year-old passenger riding in the Silverado was also transported to the hospital for evaluation and was reported to have no apparent injuries.
Authorities said the driver of the Nissan Frontier, 50-year-old Jason W. Stowe of Meriden, was also hospitalized with suspected minor injuries. The remaining drivers and passengers involved in the crash were reported uninjured.
Emergency units worked in the area while crews cleared the damaged vehicles from the interstate and managed traffic through the construction zone.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision, and more details will be released as they become available. We are thinking of those injured as they continue to recover.
Why Construction Zones Often Increase the Risk of Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Construction zones can cause sudden traffic slowdowns and shifting lane patterns, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. Drivers may have less time to react when traffic unexpectedly slows, especially on busy highways with reduced lanes or shifting traffic flow.
Investigators often review vehicle spacing, braking distances, and traffic conditions when examining multi-vehicle crashes in work zones. Damage patterns can also help determine the order of impacts and how additional vehicles became involved.
Large vehicles such as pickup trucks and semi-trucks may require longer stopping distances, particularly in congested traffic. Construction barriers, narrowed lanes, and temporary traffic control devices can also reduce maneuvering space for drivers traveling through active work areas.
