Great Bend, KS – On July 31, 2023, at about 9:40 AM the Sheriff’s Office was notified of an injury accident involving a Polaris Ranger ATV and an International truck-tractor and semi-trailer. The location of the accident was at the intersection of Northwest 130 Avenue and NW. 20 Rd., about 4 miles south of Albert, Ks.

The 2022 Polaris Ranger was operated by an unaccompanied eight-year-old juvenile. The ATV was westbound on 20 Road approaching the intersection of 130 Avenue when the juvenile failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection.

A 1998 International model 9200 truck was southbound on 130 Avenue approaching the intersection. The driver, Steven Wissman, age 68 of rural Albert, saw the ATV was not going to stop and applied heavy breaking as well as steering towards the West ditch.

Investigation at the scene indicates the ATV struck the truck on the driver side near the fuel tanks causing the ATV to spin away from the truck. The eight-year-old was ejected from the Polaris landing on the roadway. The truck continued south into the West ditch where it came to rest.

The eight-year-old received abrasions and lacerations and was transported to Great Bend Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Wissman, was not injured in the collision.

It is the opinion of the investigating officers and myself, because Mr. Wissman was alert and observant of the situation he was able to take evasive action and tragedy was averted.

The accident is still under investigation.