TOPEKA, Shawnee County, Kan., Sept. 20, 2026 — Two people were hurt on Saturday afternoon, September 19, when a car traveling the wrong way struck a pickup truck head-on on I-470 in Topeka. One person suffered serious injuries, and another had minor injuries, according to authorities.
The Kansas Highway Patrol said the crash was reported around 3:32 p.m. on I-470 in Shawnee County. A 2004 Toyota Camry was headed eastbound when it reportedly crossed the grass median and entered the westbound lanes traveling against traffic. The Camry then collided head-on with a 2025 Toyota Tundra pickup.
The Camry's driver, identified by state troopers as 67-year-old Jolly Obasuyi of Antioch, Tennessee, was taken to a local hospital with suspected serious injuries. A passenger in the Tundra, 25-year-old Katelyn Ramirez of Topeka, was also hospitalized with suspected minor injuries. The Tundra's driver, 41-year-old Brandon Ramirez of Topeka, was not reported injured.
The Kansas Highway Patrol said everyone involved was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The circumstances that led the Camry to cross into oncoming lanes remain under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Where Wrong-Way Crashes Tend to Happen on Kansas Highways
Wrong-way collisions cluster on divided highways, the roads built with a median separating opposing traffic. These crashes often start near interchanges, where a driver enters an exit ramp instead of an on-ramp, or where a vehicle crosses a grass or narrow median after leaving its intended lane. Once a car is traveling against traffic on a high-speed road, other drivers have little time or space to react.
Rural and suburban stretches of divided highway, such as segments of I-470 that see lighter traffic at certain hours, can be especially prone to this pattern because there are fewer nearby vehicles to signal the danger before impact. Nighttime and low-visibility conditions increase the risk, though wrong-way crashes also occur in daylight, as this one did.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 4,164 fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways resulted in 5,730 deaths from 2014 through 2023. Highway engineers have responded with wrong-way sensors, lowered signage, and reflective pavement markers aimed at catching a driver's attention before they travel far in the wrong direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I spot a car driving the wrong way?
Slow down, move to the right lane if possible, and avoid passing or signaling to the driver. Call 911 with your location and direction of travel so authorities can respond quickly.
Does alcohol impairment factor into most wrong-way crashes?
Impairment is a common factor in wrong-way crash cases nationally, though it is not confirmed in every incident. Investigators typically review toxicology and driver history as part of the crash report.
What steps do highways take to prevent wrong-way entries?
Many interstates use lowered "Wrong Way" and "Do Not Enter" signs at ramp exits, along with reflective markers and, in some locations, sensors that alert authorities when a vehicle enters against the flow of traffic.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Topeka, Kansas
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, get to a safe location away from traffic and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries from a head-on impact aren't obvious right after the crash.
Take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and get contact information from any nearby witnesses. Request a copy of the official crash report from the Kansas Highway Patrol once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits or vehicle damage tied to the incident. Topeka drivers dealing with the aftermath of a crash like this should also promptly notify their insurance provider to begin the claims process.
