THOMAS COUNTY —One person died in a multi-vehicle accident during a dust storm just after 1p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Volvo semi driven by Ihor Batiuk, 53, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately four miles west of the U.S. 83 exit in the right lane. the driver entered a blowing dust storm crossing the interstate from south to north. This storm caused little to zero visibility across the roadway. Due to the low visibility, the driver slowed his speed down.
A 2023 Toyota Highlander driven by Craig I. Goodman, 70, Ness City rear-ended the semi. After impact, the semi continued to the J&J Truck Stop. The Toyota stopped in the right lane of travel. An eastsbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Dennis E. Graham, 65, Henryetta, Oklahoma, was behind the Toyota. The Freightliner's on-board forward crash detection sensor stopped the semi prior to impacting the vehicles in front involved in a separate collision and disabled in the roadway.
A eastbound 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Gary L Stoll, 75, Oakley, rear-ended the Freightliner. After impact the Explorer traveled to the left and stopped in the median facing south.
The Freightliner's rear end protection was damaged in the crash. An eastbound 2026 Acura MDX driven by Bradley A. Stout, 65, Wichita, struck the rear of the Freightliner's trailer. The Acura under-rode the trailer.
An eastbound 2022 Subaru Ascent driven by William J. Burt, 66, Springdale, Arkansas, struck the Acura.
EMS transported Stoll to Citizen's Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
Batiuk, Goodman, a passenger in the Toyota and Graham were not injured. Stout and a passenger in the Acura Catherine W. Stout, 63, Wichita, were transported to Wesley Medical Center.
Two other passengers in the Acura Dennis J. Temaat, 71, and Joyce M. Temaat, 66, both of Dodge City were transported to Citizen's Medical Center. Bradley Stout was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.