BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Barton County.
A 2005 Mack truck configured as a water hauler and driven by Eric Steinert, 36, rural Russell County was southbound on 130 Northeast Avenue, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
A 1995 Peterbilt semi loaded with a Kenworth truck-tractor driven by David Wirth, 66, of rural Ellinwood was westbound on Northeast 70th Road. The two vehicles collided at the intersection, according to Bellendir.
Deputies found the trucks completely engulfed in flames and were told that the driver of one of the vehicles was still in the cab.
Steinert was pronounced dead at the scene by the Barton County Coroner's Office. Wirth was transported to the Great Bend hospital by Claflin EMS with non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated and released.
The fire traveled down the ditch on both sides of the roadway setting fire to two fields and multiple round bales of hay that were approximately one-quarter mile away. The Claflin Fire Department was able to bring the blaze under control.