HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Monday, the Hutchinson Fire Department responded to a significant accident at 1500 North K14 Highway involving a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. Initial reports indicated that the driver of the passenger car was trapped, prompting the department to dispatch additional units.
Upon arrival, emergency crews found a semi-truck carrying hazardous materials engulfed in flames and a passenger vehicle with severe damage. The driver of the passenger car was trapped inside, and a grass fire was rapidly advancing towards the vehicle. Fire crews quickly called for the department’s HazMat team to assist and worked swiftly to extract the driver using the Jaws of Life. The advancing grass fire was successfully halted before reaching the trapped individual.
Crews then shifted their attention to the semi and managed to extinguish the bulk of the fire before focusing on handling the hazardous materials involved. The scene required extensive effort, with crews remaining on-site for five hours to address the chemical hazards and assist with cleanup operations.
The Hutchinson Fire Department expressed gratitude for the support received from the Reno County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) during the incident.
