Thomas County, KS (April 11, 2025) – On Friday afternoon, April 11, a serious crash occurred in a road construction zone on Interstate 70 near milepost 73.5 Eastbound, approximately 4.2 miles east of U.S. Highway 83. The incident took place at around 1:44 p.m. when a 2003 Mack truck rear-ended a stationary milling machine. Two individuals were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
According to authorities, the truck was traveling eastbound through a construction area when it struck the rear of the milling machine, which was being operated at the time. After the collision, the truck veered left off the roadway, crossed the center median and both westbound lanes of I-70, before overturning onto its passenger side and coming to rest in the east ditch. The driver of the truck, identified as 50-year-old Todd Alan Westphal of Hoisington, KS, sustained suspected minor injuries and was taken to Logan County Hospital. The milling machine operator, 20-year-old Caden Wilson McGee of Great Bend, KS, also suffered suspected minor injuries and was transported to the same hospital. Emergency crews responded promptly, and the vehicle was removed from the scene by S&M Towing. An investigation into the crash is currently underway by the Kansas Highway Patrol, and further details may be released as the case develops.
Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families at this time. We wish both individuals a swift and full recovery.
Construction Zone Accidents on Kansas Highways
Accidents in road construction zones are particularly dangerous due to the presence of workers and heavy equipment, as well as often-narrowed lanes and reduced speed limits. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), nearly 30,000 work zone crashes occur each year in the U.S., with over 800 fatalities annually. In Kansas alone, construction zones have been the sites of numerous serious injuries and fatalities. Drivers are urged to exercise heightened caution, reduce speeds, and stay alert when traveling through these high-risk areas. A momentary distraction or misjudgment can lead to devastating consequences for everyone involved.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction zone crash, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. The dedicated legal team at Bretz Injury Law is ready to support your recovery. Contact our offices today at 620-524-0080 for a free consultation.
