Barton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a three-vehicle fatality crash at 6:15 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of U.S. 281 and SE 50 Road. One woman from Hutchinson was killed in the crash and two Great Bend teens were sent to the hospital, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir said.
According to reports, the investigation at the scene, supported by witness statements, indicates a 2005 Nissan Altima driven by Julie Kanady, 57, of Hutchinson was eastbound on SE 50 Road. Witnesses stated the car did not stop at the stop sign on the west side of the highway. Upon entering the intersection the car collided with two other vehicles, one northbound and one southbound.
The southbound 2014 Buick Verano was operated by Jonathan Martínez-Orozco, 15, of Great Bend. The northbound 2001 Ford Ranger pickup was operated by Conrad Montoya III, 18, also of Great Bend.
Kanady was pronounced dead at the scene by Barton County Coroner Dr. E.L. Jones, Bellendir said. Martinez-Orozco was transported to Great Bend Regional Hospital and later released. Montoya was transferred to Via Christi Medical Center in Wichita with serious injuries.
A spokesman at Via Christi’s St. Joseph Hospital said Montoya was listed in fair condition Saturday afternoon.
U.S. 281 was closed for approximately two hours in order to conduct the traffic investigation and remove debris. The BCSO was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS units and one unit from the Kansas Highway Patrol. The accident was still under investigation as for Friday. Bellendir said alcohol was not considered a contributing factor.