Fatal Four-Vehicle Accident on I-35 Near Wichita Claims One Life, Injures Another

On Sunday evening, a tragic four-vehicle accident occurred on Interstate 35 along the Kansas Turnpike, south of Wichita, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury. The crash took place at approximately 5:50 p.m. in Sumner County, about three miles west of Belle Plaine.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the incident began when a 2024 Toyota Crown, driven by 45-year-old Kap Cung from Clive, Iowa, was traveling north in the southbound lanes of I-35. The Toyota Crown collided head-on with a 2013 Ford Explorer SUV, driven by 36-year-old Colby Choate from Marshall, Oklahoma. The impact caused the Toyota to roll over.

Following this initial collision, the Ford Explorer was struck by two other vehicles: a 2022 Honda Civic and a 2025 Western Star tractor. The Honda Civic was driven by 67-year-old Thomas Richter from Edmond, Oklahoma, and the Western Star tractor was driven by 38-year-old Jason Jones from West Bay Springs, Mississippi.

Tragically, Colby Choate was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed that Choate was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. His untimely death has left the Marshall community and his family in deep mourning.

Kap Cung, the driver of the Toyota Crown, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment. The patrol reported that Cung was also wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. His current condition remains critical as medical personnel continue to provide care.

Remarkably, Thomas Richter, the driver of the Honda Civic, and Jason Jones, the driver of the Western Star tractor, both emerged unscathed from the crash. The Kansas Highway Patrol noted that both drivers were wearing their seat belts, which likely contributed to their survival and lack of injuries.

All drivers involved in the accident were alone in their vehicles, and there were no additional passengers reported. The Kansas Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash, including why the Toyota Crown was traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the road and the importance of always remaining vigilant while driving. The community mourns the loss of Colby Choate and hopes for a swift recovery for Kap Cung. As investigations continue, authorities aim to uncover the factors that led to this devastating accident to prevent future occurrences.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Kansas Highway Patrol will likely release further details as they become available, providing clarity and closure for all affected by this heartbreaking event.