JOHNSON COUNTY, KS — A fatal crash involving a semi-truck early Thursday morning has left one man dead and another seriously injured, prompting hours-long road closures and a detailed investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred just after 7 a.m. on U.S. Highway 69 near 207th Street. Authorities say a northbound 2005 Peterbilt semi-truck, hauling a water tank, veered off course and struck a guardrail on a bridge over 207th Street. The impact sent the truck across both northbound lanes and into the median, where it overturned and came to rest in the southbound lanes, facing east.
Emergency crews from the Overland Park Fire Department and Johnson County Med-Act responded quickly to the scene, finding the truck heavily damaged with two people trapped inside. Tragically, the driver, 48-year-old Eugene Merrell of Tonganoxie, Kansas, died at the scene. A 28-year-old male passenger from Ottawa, Kansas, was extricated after about 15 minutes and transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Both individuals were reportedly wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, underscoring the violent nature of the rollover. The water tank the truck was carrying detached during the collision and landed about 50 feet from the truck’s final position.
Due to the severity of the crash and the investigation, all southbound lanes of US-69 were closed at 199th Street for several hours. Crews worked diligently to clear debris, remove the wreckage, and restore traffic flow. By around 2:45 p.m., all lanes were reopened.
Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging drivers to stay alert, wear seat belts, and exercise caution—especially when operating or driving near large commercial vehicles.
The loss of Eugene Merrell has deeply affected his community, and many now wait for updates on the condition of the injured passenger. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers present on highways and the importance of safe driving practices.