By SALINA POST
SHERMAN COUNTY —Interstate 70 was still closed Saturday in both directions between Goodland and Colby, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
First responders are continuing to clear the roadway from a multi-vehicle crash on Friday due to the strong winds and blowing dirt. As many as eight people died in the crash, according to Trooper Tod Heilman with the Kansas Highway Patrol. The state established a special number for family members or loved ones that are involved in the crash. It is 785-827-4437.
On social media, Brian James, with Goodland Fire and EMS wrote, "I must say yesterday was the toughest and most emotional draining experience in my 22 years of being in the fire service."
Trying to manage multiple agencies, over thirty patients, triaging patients, working over 55 vehicles, fighting the wind with dirt so bad you can’t see over 50 to 100 feet, and trying to keep my crews and myself safe was just something to process."
"I don’t think people realize the dedication these men and women give to make this community safe and secure. We had to think outside the box to get patients transported to hospitals in Goodland and Colby by using our fire department support vehicle with AEMT’s in the back to using patrol vehicles from Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol."
“I’m sorry for the lives lost in this incident, but I’m grateful for the ones we could save. Goodland and Brewster Fire have to go back out today to the crash site to cut deceased people out of their vehicles. Please be praying for my crews and all Sherman County first responders.”
"A huge thank you to the following agencies who worked this massive car pile up on I-70 at MM 28 to MM 29: Goodland Fire, Brewster Fire, Northwest Kansas Ambulance Service, Colby Fire Department, Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Thomas County EMS, Wallace County EMS, Cheyenne County EMS, and Sherman County Dispatch for getting me the resources I needed."
Authorities have not released names of the victims or additional details.
In response to Friday's multi-vehicle accident near Brewster, the Thomas County Commission declared a State of Local Emergency, according to a statement from Thomas County. This declaration will be formalized at the Commission meeting on Monday. County officials were actively coordinating resources to address the situation and ensure the safety of residents. A shelter was also set up through the American Red Cross at the Steve Lampe Athletic Center on the Colby Community College campus.