SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. – The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday morning at the intersection of 167th St. West and Central near Goddard.
Deputies responded to the scene at 9:45 a.m. after 9-1-1 received an Apple crash detection alert and an additional call. Upon arrival, they found a 66-year-old woman driving a maroon Chevrolet Malibu unresponsive and not breathing. She was transported by Sedgwick County EMS to a local hospital in critical condition. A 15-year-old male passenger in the Chevrolet Malibu also suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital by EMS.
The driver of a black Nissan Sentra, a 30-year-old woman, declined medical treatment at the scene.
A 30-year-old woman driving a white Ford Explorer sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital by EMS.
According to the preliminary investigation, the driver of the Ford Explorer was traveling eastbound on Central and told deputies she became distracted by her phone and items inside her vehicle. She failed to stop at a stop sign, colliding with the Chevrolet Malibu, which was traveling northbound on 167th St. The impact caused the Malibu and the Explorer to strike the black Nissan Sentra, which was stopped facing westbound on Central.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office crash reconstruction team is investigating the collision.
Potential charges, if any, will be determined after the investigation into the circumstances of the crash is complete and reviewed by investigators along with consultation with the District Attorney’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers to stay alert, particularly during the busy holiday season. Distractions while driving can have devastating consequences. We urge everyone to focus on the road and avoid using mobile devices while driving.
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