Four Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash South of Norton

by Derek White

A two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 283 south of Norton Wednesday evening sent four people to the hospital with suspected serious injuries, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The accident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. on May 7 at the intersection of U.S. 283 and Lower Dam Road, near milepost 204.9 in Norton County.

According to the crash report, a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 17-year-old Shelby J. Gibson of Norton was attempting to turn onto southbound U.S. 283 from Lower Dam Road when it was struck by a southbound 2014 Peterbilt semi tractor. The Malibu reportedly pulled out in front of the semi, which had the right of way.

The collision resulted in significant damage to the Malibu and led to serious injuries for all four occupants of the vehicle:

• Shelby J. Gibson, 17, of Norton – suspected serious injury, not wearing a seatbelt

• Roxy White, 20, of Lenora – suspected serious injury, seatbelt was used

• Rhiannon Romey, 18, of Norton – suspected serious injury, no seatbelt

• Sierra Dial, 20, of Norton – suspected serious injury, no seatbelt

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All four were transported to Kearney Good Samaritan Hospital in Nebraska for medical treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly released.

The driver of the semi, 42-year-old Trent C. Koehler of Marion, Kansas, was not injured in the crash. He was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt but did not require hospitalization. The semi was hauling a 2025 Wilson trailer and was insured by Great West Casualty.

Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Kibbee’s Towing and taken to a tow lot.

The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident. No citations or charges have been announced at this time.

Motorists are reminded to exercise caution at rural highway intersections and to always wear seatbelts, as failure to do so can increase the severity of injuries in a crash.