Authorities were on the scene of a collision on the Kansas Turnpike early on Saturday morning. At 9:15 a.m., the Kansas Turnpike Authorities issued a warning of an accident in the southbound lanes at milepost 172. The location is close to the SW 69th St. overpass, just south of Topeka.
According to officials, a call reporting a two-vehicle collision between a semi-truck and a minivan arrived at 9:08 a.m. Five individuals were in the vehicle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol, and as of 1:00 p.m., three children from Topeka—Kylie Lund, 9, Laila El Azari, 9, and Brooklyn Peery, 8—were dead as a result of the collision.
Both the driver, Amber Marie Peery, 32, and another passenger, Gabriella Ponomarez, 8, were from Topeka and had non-life-threatening wounds when they were transferred to a nearby hospital.
You might also consider:
- Gavin Newsom no longer talks to Kimberly Guilfoyle
- Governor Newsom Signed A Bill Increasing The Rights Of The Farmers Union
The 70-year-old Huntsville, Alabama resident and semi-truck driver Robert Hosey Russell were unharmed. Travellers were advised to exercise caution. KTA reported that all southbound lanes reopened just after 2:30 p.m.
KTA Alert: I335 172.2 SB S of Topeka, all lanes open.
— Kansas Turnpike (@KansasTurnpike) October 8, 2022
On Saturday afternoon, USD 437 Superintendent Scott McWilliams issued the following statement: “On Saturday, October 8, three Auburn-Washburn elementary students lost their lives in a car accident. These pupils include two fourth graders from Farley Elementary and a third grader from Jay Shideler Elementary.
These students, as well as their families, are on our minds. Our entire school community, especially our pupils, are affected by this loss, and they have many questions and feelings. To assist with the needs of children, parents, and school staff during trying moments like this, our schools have crisis teams made up of specialists with the necessary training.
Students at Farley Elementary and Jay Shideler Elementary will be informed about what happened on Monday morning in an age-appropriate way. Students who need time to reflect, talk about, or grieve will have access to dedicated support rooms. When needed, students and staff members can meet with counsellors and social workers.
