Viola, KS (May 1, 2025) – A serious three-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on Kansas Highway 42 sent two individuals, including an infant, to the hospital with serious injuries. The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. at the intersection of K-42 and 263rd St W, just outside the town of Viola, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. The driver of the second vehicle, a 28-year-old woman from Oklahoma, and an infant traveling with her were transported to a hospital with suspected serious injuries. Two other drivers—a 90-year-old man from Wichita and a 45-year-old semi-truck driver from Mount Hope—suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital transport.
According to preliminary reports, two vehicles were traveling westbound on K-42 when the first vehicle rear-ended the second. The force of the impact pushed the second vehicle into the eastbound lane, where it was struck by an oncoming semi-truck. The truck overturned as a result of the collision. The crash scene required emergency crews to secure the area and tend to the injured while authorities initiated an investigation.
The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident. Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.
Rural Crashes Involving Semi-Trucks in Kansas
Collisions on rural highways like K-42 often carry significant risks due to high travel speeds, limited visibility, and the presence of large commercial vehicles. Intersections such as the one at 263rd St W are especially vulnerable to rear-end and crossover crashes when drivers are not fully alert or following too closely.
Kansas traffic data indicates that multi-vehicle accidents involving semi-trucks are among the most dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, particularly when smaller passenger vehicles are involved. These collisions can have devastating effects on families, especially when children are among the injured.
Recovery after such an accident may involve long-term medical treatment, emotional trauma, and navigating complex insurance matters. Families affected by serious collisions may benefit from understanding their rights and exploring support resources available in the aftermath.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
