Bunker Hill, KS (March 25, 2025) – A 24-year-old woman from Hays was hospitalized Monday morning after her car struck the rear of a semi-trailer partially blocking Highway 40 west of Bunker Hill, according to the Russell County Sheriff’s Office.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 7:45 a.m. approximately 0.4 miles west of 193rd Street. Deputies say a 2021 Peterbilt semi pulling a flatbed trailer had turned into a field entrance but was not fully off the roadway. The trailer extended into the eastbound lane of Highway 40.
As the sun rose over the horizon, visibility became limited. Janeeth Martinez-Salinas was driving east in a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu when she failed to see the trailer in her path. Her vehicle struck the rear of the flatbed and came to rest in a nearby ditch on the north side of the highway.
Martinez-Salinas sustained injuries in the collision and was transported to a hospital in Hays for treatment. The semi-truck driver, 30-year-old John Pfeifer of Stockton, was not injured.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving parked or partially obstructing trailers raise concerns about visibility, proper vehicle positioning, and driver awareness. In this case, the early morning sun may have limited the driver’s ability to see the trailer in time to react.
Law enforcement may evaluate whether the semi-truck was legally parked, whether hazard lights or warning devices were in place, and whether the trailer’s placement created an unreasonable risk to oncoming traffic.
Authorities often investigate whether lighting conditions or other environmental factors contributed to the driver’s reduced ability to detect obstacles on the road.
Ongoing Investigation: The Russell County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash. Emergency crews from Russell County EMS, Russell Fire District #5, and the City of Russell Fire Department responded to the scene and assisted with patient care and roadway clearance.
I hope Janeeth Martinez-Salinas recovers fully from her injuries and that safety measures are reviewed to prevent similar incidents along this stretch of highway.
Source: KRSL