The Kansas Highway Patrol reports that a sudden lane change and excessive speed caused two minivans to spin off Interstate 35 onto the grassy area that separates the highway from U.S. 69 in Johnson County on Tuesday at about 5:50 p.m.
What happened
According to the patrol’s online crash log, a 48‑year‑old man from Kansas City, Kansas, was traveling south on I‑35 in a 2005 Honda Odyssey when he was traveling at a “high rate of speed.” He made an “improper lane change” and struck the rear of a 2013 Dodge Caravan driven by a 68‑year‑old woman from Paola, Kansas.
The impact propelled both vehicles off the right‑hand side of the highway. The Dodge Caravan came to rest about 100 feet from the pavement, while the Honda Odyssey landed roughly 30 feet off the road, approximately 200 feet farther south than the Dodge.
Response and traffic impact
Lenexa Police arrived to assist with traffic control, and Overland Park firefighters joined Johnson County Med‑Act paramedics to check the occupants for injuries. Both drivers were alone in their vehicles and were wearing seat belts.
Southbound I‑35 was reduced to two lanes for roughly 25 minutes, slowing traffic for about two and a half miles back to Shawnee Mission Parkway. All lanes were reopened shortly after 7 p.m.
Injuries and investigation
Med‑Act ambulances transported the two drivers to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Recorded radio traffic indicated that troopers were investigating the Honda driver for possible signs of impairment, though no further details were released at the time of reporting.
Safety reminder
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining safe speeds and proper lane discipline, especially during rush‑hour traffic on busy corridors like I‑35. Drivers are urged to stay alert, keep a safe following distance, and use seat belts at all times.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
