Explosion kills two on the Kansas Turnpike
Two people are dead following an accident and explosion along the Kansas Turnpike. It happened shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday in the northbound lanes near the Belle Plaine Service Center.
A witness told the Kansas Highway Patrol she saw a tractor-trailer hit a guard rail, then leave the roadway. The truck caught fire and exploded moments later.
Master Trooper Joel Powers was one of the first people to arrive on scene.
"It was just totally on fire and there was nothing I could do," Powers said. "I was going to see if I could help someone but it was too late. It was engulfed."
Fire units from Belle Plaine, Mulvane and Sedgwick County fire hazmat responded to the scene to bring the resulting fire under control. The origin of the truck and what is was hauling has not been released.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.