Fredonia, KS (September 12, 2024) – There were fatal injuries reported after a crash involving a big rig semi-truck in the Fredonia area on Wednesday, September 11. The collision took place on US-400 near K-47 early that morning around 6:35 a.m. Local reports revealed that a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling westbound on US-400 as a 2000 Freightliner semi-truck was headed south on Jewell Road.
The operator of the truck, 74-year-old Carl J. Studebaker of Fredonia, made a left turn onto US-400 EB without yielding to the oncoming Mercury. The passenger car crashed into the trailer axe of the commercial truck. Emergency responders were rushed to the scene to provide aid to provide aid to the involved parties. The driver of the Mercury, 76-year-old Donald J. Christeson of Liberty, and his passenger, 61-year-old Teresa J. Mansfield of Independence, suffered fatal injuries in the impact. No other injuries were reported in the crash. An ongoing investigation into the cause of the deadly accident is underway, and more information will be provided as it continues.
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased victims at this time.
Fatal Semi-Truck Accidents in Kansas
On Kansas roads and highways, you won’t have to go far to see a big semi-truck. It can be life-changing when these big trucks get into accidents, and every year there are a lot of them all over the state. In 2021, 3,316 big or heavy car crashes hurt or killed people on Kansas roads. About 500,000 truck accidents happen across the country every year. These accidents kill hundreds of people and leave many others with serious injuries. Unfortunately, statistics show that the majority of trucking accidents involve passenger vehicles, and these occupants are at greater risk of suffering serious or life-threatening injuries. You must pursue a claim for compensation by working closely with a trained team of Fredonia wrongful death lawyers after a deadly accident. The legal team at Bretz Injury Law is here to help. Contact our offices today at 620-524-0080 to get started on your claim.