Semi vs. Pickup Crash Closes U.S. 83 for Over Six Hours Near Scott City

A late-night crash involving a semi and a pickup truck shut down U.S. Highway 83 in Scott County for more than six hours Saturday night into early Sunday morning.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 9:07 p.m. on March 28 on southbound U.S. 83 at mile marker 114.7--about 0.3 miles north of the K-4 junction.

Emergency officials with the Scott County, Kansas Department of Emergency Management reported the highway was completely blocked near the intersection, with motorists urged to avoid the area as crews worked the scene and detours were established.

Authorities say the roadway remained closed until approximately 3:20 a.m., when it reopened in both directions. In total, U.S. 83 was shut down for about six hours and 13 minutes.

Crash Details

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports a 2009 International semi tractor was traveling southbound behind a 2007 Nissan Titan pickup when the driver of the semi attempted to pass in a no-passing zone.

During the maneuver, the pickup began turning left into a driveway and was struck by the passing semi.

The impact caused both vehicles to overturn:

• The semi came to rest on its driver’s side, blocking both lanes of traffic.

• The pickup overturned into the west ditch, coming to rest upright.

  
  

Picture from Scott County, Kansas Department of Emergency Management Facebook post

Injuries Reported

All three individuals involved were transported to Scott County Hospital with suspected minor injuries:

• Federico Tonche, 53, of Dallas, Texas (driver of the semi), who was wearing a safety restraint

• Porter S. Geist, 17, of Scott City (driver of the pickup), not wearing a safety restraint

• Jaime De La Rocha Cruz, 28, of Scott City (passenger), not wearing a safety restraint

  
  

Ongoing Investigation

No fatalities were reported. The crash remains under investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Officials remind drivers to obey posted traffic laws, including no-passing zones, and to always wear seatbelts to reduce the risk of injury in a crash.