Cave City, KY (May 24, 2026) – Two children lost their lives Friday morning after a collision involving an SUV and a parked semi-truck along Interstate 65 in Barren County. Troopers said the wreck happened near the 53-mile marker shortly after 7 a.m.
According to preliminary findings, a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe was traveling north on I-65 when it left the roadway and struck a semi-truck parked on the right shoulder. The SUV was driven by 35-year-old Aleah Kroger of Dayton, Ohio. Two young passengers inside the Hyundai were pronounced dead at the scene.
Kroger was first taken to T.J. Sampson Community Hospital before being transferred to the Medical Center in Bowling Green. She remained in critical condition following the accident. No additional information about the children was released.
Investigators continue working to determine what led up to the fatal crash.
Our hearts go out to the children’s loved ones during this painful time.
Why Parked Vehicles Along Highways Can Be Dangerous
Vehicles stopped on highway shoulders can create serious hazards for drivers, especially at high speeds. Even when a truck is legally parked, limited reaction time and changing road conditions may increase the chance of a roadway departure. Fatigue, distraction, weather, and medical emergencies are among the factors reviewed after these types of collisions.
Interstates are designed for fast-moving traffic, which means even small steering corrections can become dangerous. Drivers who drift onto the shoulder may have little time to avoid a stopped vehicle. Large commercial trucks can also cause severe damage because of their size and weight.
Safety experts often encourage drivers to remain alert during long trips and take breaks when tired. Keeping full attention on the roadway and maintaining safe lane positioning may help reduce the risk of severe highway collisions.
