ELLSWORTH — A man and woman from Russell died Sunday in a two-vehicle collision at the K-14/K-156 junction, 1.5 miles south of Ellsworth.
Kansas Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred at 6:20 p.m. A 2013 Dodge Durango driven by Darin C. Martin, 44, of Claflin, was traveling southwest on K-156, and a 2009 Chevrolet Impala driven by John B. Anderson, 70, of Osborne, was northbound on K-14. Anderson stopped at the stop sign then proceeded through intersection. The Impala hit the Durango as Martin was trying to make an evasive maneuver to avoid being hit.
Martin was taken to Ellsworth County Medical Center with undetermined injured. Passengers William A. Rabas, 64, and Delores L. Rabas, 56, both of Russell, were not wearing seat belts and died at the scene. Another passenger, Sarah Martin, 31, of Claflin, was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. She was not wearing a seat belt. A hospital spokesman said Sarah Martin was in critical condition Monday afternoon.
Two-year-old Aislee Martin was wearing a safety restraint and was not injured.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts. Anderson was not inured.
The Durango was removed by Ellsworth Service Center to a tow lot. The Impala was driven from the scene.