High Winds Contribute to Injury Accident on I-70 in Sherman County

Photo from KanDrive camera of accident

An injury accident slowed traffic on Interstate 70 in Sherman County during the midday hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, as dangerously strong winds continued to impact travel across the Tri-State region.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 12:01 p.m. on westbound I-70 near mile post 3.7, about 2.3 miles east of the I-70 and K-267 junction.

The crash report states that a 2025 Freightliner tractor traveling westbound lost control due to high winds, causing the vehicle to roll into the median. The driver, 49-year-old Mistrie L. Duarte of Cedar City, Utah, was transported to Goodland Regional Medical Center with suspected serious injuries. The driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The accident resulted in traffic slowdowns along westbound I-70 as emergency crews responded and the vehicle was removed from the roadway. The truck was towed by Alex’s Radiator, and the incident was investigated by KHP Trooper K452.

Friday’s crash comes amid a significant high-wind event affecting travel across western Kansas, eastern Colorado, and southwest Nebraska. Officials say high winds were likely a major contributing factor in this rollover.

Drivers should be aware that Colorado I-70 from the Kansas state line west to Limon is restricting high-profile vehicles due to dangerous wind conditions. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution, especially those operating semi-trucks, trailers, RVs, and other high-profile vehicles.

Conditions can change rapidly during high-wind events, and travelers are encouraged to check road conditions before heading out and to slow down when winds are strong.

NWKS Radio will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.