A collision on a highway in southwest Kansas on Wednesday claimed the lives of a mom and two children.
It occurred in Kiowa County at 3:35 p.m. on U.S. 54, approximately one mile east of Mullinville. A Ford F-150 was traveling west in the eastbound lane, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. The F-150 reentered the westbound lane, and the two cars crashed when an eastbound truck veered left of center to avoid the pickup.
Two youngsters in the truck and the driver of the Ford perished on the spot. KHP determined that they were 13-year-old Travis Welch, 10-year-old Hunter Welch, and 68-year-old Teresa Davis. They were Meade natives.
The driver of the semi, a 22-year-old Californian, was unharmed.
Why the pickup was in the opposite lane of traffic is unknown. Every participant had on a seat belt.
According to USD 225, the Welch boys attended Fowler Grade School.
“It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the tragic loss of two of our beloved elementary students, Travis and Hunter Welch, earlier today (Wednesday) in a car accident,” the school district stated in a statement. “Our entire school district community is grieving this devastating news, and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loves ones of these precious children during this incredibly difficult time.”
Support services will be offered on Thursday, according to the district.
A deadly crash in southwest Kansas has forced the closure of a section of U.S. 54.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the collision happened at mile-marker 98 on US-54, close to Mullinville, in western Kiowa County, before 4 p.m. on Wednesday. According to KHP, three people have been confirmed dead and two vehicles were involved in the collision.
Between the US 400 intersection and the Ford-Kiowa County Line, which is close to Mullinville, US-54 is closed.
