One Year Later: Remembering the March 14 Dust Storm Tragedy on Interstate 70

Picture from dust storm crash on Interstate 70 in Northwest Kansas on March 14, 2025

March 14 marks one year since one of the most devastating days Northwest Kansas has ever experienced. What began as an ordinary spring afternoon quickly turned into a tragedy that our communities in Colby, Goodland, and across the region will never forget.

On the afternoon of March 14, 2025, a sudden and powerful dust storm swept across Interstate 70 between Goodland and Colby near Edson. Within minutes, visibility dropped to nearly zero as strong winds pushed walls of dust across the highway. Drivers had little warning as the storm rolled in.

Between approximately 3:20 and 3:35 p.m., a series of chain-reaction crashes unfolded along the interstate. When it was over, 71 vehicles had been involved in the catastrophic pileup. Eight lives were lost and 46 people were injured, making it one of the most tragic highway incidents ever recorded in Northwest Kansas.

Those who witnessed the storm described terrifying conditions.

One driver, Charlene West-Scheneman, narrowly avoided becoming part of the wreckage. She later shared her experience with NWKS Radio.

“It was very scary. When the dust came it was automatically zero visibility. I swerved to miss a van, two cars and two semis. I somehow went through without hitting anyone. I'm feeling grateful and blessed today. I'm also feeling sad for those who were not so lucky. Emotional day.”

For many across the region, that day remains etched in memory — the sudden darkness, the confusion, the emergency sirens, and the realization that something terrible had happened on I-70.

Local emergency responders were honored in August 2025 for their help after the March 14, 2025 storm and wreck

A Community Responds

As chaos unfolded on the interstate, first responders from across Northwest Kansas rushed toward the danger.

Law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS crews, dispatchers, medical staff, and tow companies responded under incredibly difficult conditions. Thick dust, twisted wreckage, and dozens of injured motorists created a scene unlike anything many responders had ever encountered.

Agencies from across the region worked side by side including:

• Thomas County Sheriff’s Office

• Colby Fire Department

• Thomas County EMS

• Cheyenne County Ambulance Service

• Wallace County Ambulance Service

• Kansas Highway Patrol and the CHART Team

• Local hospitals including Citizens Medical Center and Goodland Regional Medical Center

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Dispatch centers fielded more than 100 emergency calls within just a few hours as the scope of the disaster became clear.

Both Thomas County and Sherman County declared states of emergency as crews worked through the night to rescue victims, treat the injured, and begin the massive task of clearing the interstate.

Interstate 70 remained closed between Goodland and Colby for an extended period while investigators, emergency personnel, and wrecking crews worked through the aftermath.

Lives Lost, Never Forgotten

Eight people lost their lives in the tragedy:

• Larry D. Smith, 72, Sharon Springs, Kansas

• Dawson R. Hogan, 20, Salina, Kansas

• Baiel Sharshembiev, 24, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Carlos S. Arzate, 48, Shattuck, Oklahoma

• Manuel Alarcon, 57, Dodge City, Kansas

• Stephanie D. Purcell, 61, Evansville, Indiana

• Mario Juarez, 31, Garden City, Kansas

• Giovanni S. Stefan, 60, Troy, Michigan

Among them was Fort Hays Tech Northwest student Dawson Hogan, whose loss deeply impacted the college community and many across Northwest Kansas.

Families, friends, and communities continue to carry their memory.

Senator Jerry Moran honoring first responders in August 2025

Honoring the Heroes

In the months following the tragedy, the region took time to honor those who responded that day.

A special ceremony held at the Goodland High School Auditorium brought together survivors, families, community members, and first responders to reflect on the event and recognize the extraordinary bravery shown during the disaster.

Speakers noted that despite the overwhelming destruction, the response showed the very best of Northwest Kansas.

As one responder shared that evening:

“There was no separation between agencies. It was one large group of people working together to get the situation under control.”

Senator Jerry Moran also visited the area to personally thank emergency personnel, presenting copies of the Congressional Record recognizing their service.

Dust Storms Continue to Threaten I-70

In the year since the tragedy, several additional dust storms have swept across Interstate 70 in western Kansas. Thankfully, none have resulted in destruction on the same scale as the March 14 disaster.

Still, the risk remains very real.

Dust storms can form rapidly along the High Plains, especially during periods of strong winds and dry conditions. When they strike highways like I-70, visibility can disappear in seconds.

Driving Safely in Dust Storms

The events of March 14 serve as a powerful reminder to always remain weather aware when traveling across western Kansas.

If you encounter a dust storm while driving:

• Slow down immediately

• Turn on your headlights

• Avoid sudden braking

• If visibility drops to zero, pull off the roadway as far as possible

• Turn off lights and set your parking brake so other drivers do not follow your lights onto the road

• Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on

  
  

Drivers are also encouraged to monitor weather conditions before traveling and remain alert to changing conditions.

Remembering - and Moving Forward

One year later, the dust storm of March 14, 2025 remains one of the darkest days in the history of Northwest Kansas. Yet it also revealed something powerful about the people who live here.

In the face of unimaginable tragedy, neighbors helped neighbors. First responders risked their lives to save others. Communities came together to support families and begin the process of healing.

The memory of those lost will never fade, and the bravery shown that day will never be forgotten.

As always, stay weather aware and listen to NWKS Radio for weather alerts, road conditions, and emergency information across Northwest Kansas.

Because here on the High Plains, the weather can change quickly - but so can the strength of a community that stands together.