Wabaunsee, KS (November 14, 2024) – A driver was killed after a head-on collision in the Wabaunsee area on Wednesday, November 13. The deadly accident took place on KS-99 near Antelope Creek Road that afternoon around 1:35 p.m. Local reports revealed that 20-year-old Damon Michael Welsh of Manhattan, KS, was traveling south on the highway in a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck as 69-year-old John W. Long of Wamego was headed north in a 2010 Honda CRV.
For unknown reasons, Welsh went left of center and collided head-on with the oncoming Honda. Both vehicles became disabled in an east ditch. Emergency crews were rushed to the scene to provide aid to the involved parties. Welsh was taken by ambulance to Stormont Vail Hospital for the treatment of sustained injuries, and Long was rushed to Wamego Health Center in critical condition. Long was later pronounced dead. No further information on the collision is currently available. An ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash is being managed by local law enforcement officials.
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time. Our thoughts are with the injured victim and their family in hopes of a full recovery.
Deadly Head-on Collisions in Kansas
Head-on collisions are far more likely to result in fatal injuries. Compared to other collisions, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that the fatality rate in these crashes is approximately 56 percent. Many factors can lead to a collision, but in head-on impacts, it is usually driver distraction or inclement roadway conditions. Head-on collisions can be deadly. Despite making up less than 2 percent of all reported crashes nationwide, head-on crashes contribute to nearly 10 percent of all traffic fatalities that occur on American roadways annually.
If you’ve suffered the sudden and devastating loss of a loved one in a crash, you should consult a Wabaunsee wrongful death lawyer to get the most out of your case. The competent legal team at Bretz Injury Law is prepared to fight for justice by your side. Call us today at 620-524-0080 to get started on your case with the help of a skilled legal team.
