Allen, KS (August 10, 2025) – On Sunday night, August 10, a three-vehicle crash involving two oversized-load semis left one driver seriously injured on U.S. Highway 56 near milepost 372, approximately two miles east of Allen in Lyon County. The accident happened at around 9:09 p.m. when an eastbound semi struck a westbound passenger car, which was then pushed into another eastbound semi.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2016 Peterbilt semi tractor driven by 50-year-old Kenneth Hogenes of Chandler, Arizona, was hauling a 16-foot-wide oversized load after dark when it collided with a 2007 Chevrolet Impala traveling in the westbound lane. The Chevrolet, driven by 21-year-old Elijah Jackson of Gypsum, Kansas, then struck a 2012 Peterbilt semi tractor, also hauling a 16-foot-wide oversized load eastbound. Jackson sustained suspected serious injuries and was transported to Stormont Vail Health in Topeka. Both semi drivers, Hogenes and 37-year-old Edward Tabanico of Yuma, Arizona, were not injured. Williams Towing removed the damaged Chevrolet and one of the semis from the scene. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
Our thoughts are with Elijah Jackson and his family as he recovers from this serious crash.
Oversized Load Safety Concerns in Kansas
Oversized-load vehicles require special handling, permits, and sometimes escorts to ensure roadway safety. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), hauling wide loads increases the risk of lane encroachment, side-swipe crashes, and head-on collisions, especially on narrow or undivided highways. Nighttime travel can further compound these risks due to reduced visibility and limited driver reaction time.
When collisions involving oversized loads occur, the consequences can be severe due to the size, weight, and road space taken up by these vehicles. Drivers are urged to give wide-load trucks extra space, exercise patience, and remain alert when meeting them on two-lane roads.
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash involving an oversized-load vehicle, it is important to understand your legal rights. The experienced team at Bretz Injury Law can help you pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses. Call 620-524-0080 today for a free consultation.