ST. JOHN – A St. John driver died from injuries sustained in a Saturday morning accident after the vehicle struck an electrical pole, according to the Stafford County sheriff’s department.
Stafford County Deputy Thomas Fischer reports St. John’s Manuel Herrera, 20, was pronounced dead at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita after being airlifted to Wichita. Francisco Saenz, 16, was transported to Stafford County Hospital and transferred to Great Bend Regional Hospital, where he was treated and released for apparent injuries.
Fischer reports both individuals were ejected from a 2001 Dodge pickup and were not properly secured with seatbelts.
Fischer reports a 2001 white Dodge pickup operated by Herrera, was traveling northbound in the 300 block of South Prairie Street at 11;30 a.m. Saturday when the vehicle went airborne after striking railroad tracks. Fischer said Herrera lost control of the vehicle, which rolled several times, striking a electrical pole before coming to rest on its wheels. However, both individuals sustained injuries after being ejected.
The St. John police department, St. John firefighters and Stafford County EMS also responded to the accident on South Prairie Street.