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Tuesday afternoon crash closes U.S. 281
Tractor trailer crash
A 2015 Peterbilt driven by Eli Mast of Kimball, Neb., overturned on U.S. 281 just north of Great Bend Tuesday afternoon, closing the highway for about three hours while crews cleared the roadway. - PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BARTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

A section of U.S. 281 was closed for about three hours Tuesday afternoon after a tractor trailer overturned just north of Great Bend.

According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, at just before 3 p.m,, BCSO deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash on U.S. 281 at approximately the mile pole 108, just south of the Wet Walnut Creek.

Upon investigation, a 2015 Peterbilt truck operated by 25-year old Eli Mast of Kimball, Neb. was southbound and did not see a vehicle that was stopped in the roadway to make a left turn. Mast was unable to stop the loaded truck and attempted to go around the passenger car on the right shoulder. The Peterbilt did not strike the 1994 Ford Crown Victoria, but the trailer slid off into the ditch, causing the truck and trailer to overturn. The trailer was loaded with telephone poles which were scattered at the scene. Bellendir said Mast was not injured in the crash.

U.S. 281 was closed for approximately three hours while heavy equipment cleared the roadway. BCSO was assisted at the scene by the Kansas Department of Transportation.