Authorities in Southeast Kansas investigate multiple weather-related crashes
ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Multiple weather-related crashes are being evaluated by Allen County authorities.
According to a press release, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of investigating two crashes, that sent one person to the hospital.
Emergency crews responded to a one-vehicle rollover at 6:00 a.m. on February 5, south of Iola on Old U.S. Highway 169. The vehicle, a 2000 Jeep Wrangler, overturned after the vehicle lost traction on the icy bridge. The driver of the Jeep, a 28-year-old, told first responders his seat belt might have just saved his life.
Less than two hours later (shortly after 7:30 a.m.), crews responded to another crash on the Highway 169 overpass at the Highway 54 junction.
A collision between two vehicles, a Ford Explorer and a Nissan Altima, resulted in what you see in the image above.
The driver of the Ford Explorer lost control as they crossed the bridge and veered into oncoming traffic. The driver of the Nissan Altima struck the Explorer.
Emergency crews used the Jaws of Life to remove the driver of the Altima. That driver, who only received minor injuries, was also wearing a seatbelt.
Allen County officials say EMS transported the driver of the Explorer to a local hospital with unknown injuries.
Related: Mechanics share winter driving advice for slick roads
Allen County Sheriff Anthony Maness, reminds drivers to always be cautious, especially on elevated roadways and bridges. When temperatures are around freezing, and wet, bridges always freeze first.
Maness says he again saw “first-hand the effectiveness of seatbelts and airbags in reducing injuries and saving lives.”
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