June 6, 2026, 12:49 p.m. CT
A collision on Interstate 70 claimed the lives of a Topeka man and a Great Bend woman around 3:45 p.m. June 5, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported.
The crash occurred approximately 24 miles west of Topeka and involved a 2020 Buick Envision SUV and a semi-trailer traveling the wrong way.
Victims Barbara Krier, 70, of Great Bend, and passenger Steven Reed, 50, of Topeka, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to an accident report.
A 7-year-old boy, Chalel Delano of Topeka, sustained suspected serious injuries and was transported to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. The semi's driver, Jason Webb, 45, of Cheboygan, Michigan, suffered a suspected minor injury.
Details of the Collision
The incident, which took place 1.2 miles west of Spring Creek Road, involved Webb crossing the center median into westbound lanes for unknown reasons before colliding with Krier's SUV.
Authorities stated that the circumstances of the crash are under investigation.
Seat belts were confirmed to be worn by Webb, Krier, and Reed; however, it was unclear whether Delano was secured in a safety restraint.
The relationship between the occupants of the SUV has not been disclosed.
Contact Tim Hrenchir at 785-213-5934 or tim.hrenchir@cjonline.com.