Names and additional information from a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred Friday evening west of Great Bend were released Monday by the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.
David Manka, 48, of Pawnee Rock, died at the scene of the accident in the 400 block of West Barton County Road. All others involved in the two-vehicle crash were flown to Via Christi Medical Center in Wichita by air ambulance. As of Monday morning, Wesley Barlow and Philip Manka were listed in critical condition and Michael Manka was listed in fair condition.
The crash was reported at 8:30 p.m. Officers discovered a blue 1992 Chevrolet Caprice operated by Wesley Barlow, 55, of Great Bend, and a 1998 Chevrolet pickup operated by Philip Manka, 75, of Pawnee Rock, had collided head-on just east of the entrance to the Expo grounds.
Investigation at the scene indicates both vehicles were left of center at the time of collision,” Sheriff Brian Bellendir reported. “Statements from one of the drivers indicated the Manka vehicle may have crossed left of center and the Barlow vehicle veered to the left trying to avoid collision. Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the possibility Manka may have had medical issues while driving.”
David Manka was a passenger in the pickup and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Barton County coroner Dr. E.L. Jones.

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation. Alcohol does not appear to have been a contributing factor. The BCSO also has determined after measuring the vehicles’ placement after the crash that the road not being striped was also not a contributing factor.