On October 13th, a severe crash took place in Riley County, close to the Clay County line on Highway 24 at milepost 287.5, 300 feet west of Lasita Road. The crash was reported at 8:33 am. It took place when an eastbound 2013 Nissan Sentra rear-ended a 2014 Ford Focus. The Focus was stopped on the highway behind a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, which was waiting to turn left (south).
The force pushed the Nissan into the Ford, then into the Mitsubishi. A fourth vehicle was traveling westbound, a 2021 Dodge Ram. After hitting the Ford, the Nissan was forced into the oncoming Ram.
The Nissan came to rest in the roadway facing north, the Ford and Mitsubishi faced southeast, still in the eastbound lane; the Dodge came to rest in the north ditch, facing west.
Reports stated that a medical helicopter landed on-site. The Kansas Highway Patrol report stated that the driver of the Nissan, a 20-year-old female, had a suspected serious injury and was taken to the hospital in Manhattan. The driver and passenger of the Ford, a 61-year-old male and a 58-year-old female, also had suspected serious injuries and were taken to Stormont Vail in Topeka. The driver and passenger of the Mitsubishi, 21-year-old and 23-year-old males, had suspected minor injuries and went to Clay County Medical Center. The driver of the Dodge, a 33-year-old male, and passenger, a 26-year-old male, had no apparent injuries.
All passengers were wearing safety restraints; all four vehicles were towed from the scene.
