WICHITA, Kan. — A tragic chain-reaction crash caused by blowing dust claimed the life of an Oakley man and left five others injured along Interstate 70 in Thomas County. The Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed that Gary Stoll died from injuries he suffered in the multi-vehicle collision. The heartbreaking incident unfolded on a busy stretch of highway between Colby and Oakley, turning an ordinary day into a scene of chaos and loss.
The crash happened in the eastbound lanes of I-70 between Colby and Oakley. According to authorities, strong winds kicked up heavy dust across the open plains of western Kansas, creating near-zero visibility for drivers. In a matter of seconds, motorists found themselves unable to clearly see the road ahead, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
The Kansas Highway Patrol’s crash report states that the incident began when the driver of a semi-truck could no longer see clearly due to the blowing dust. The semi driver attempted to slow down because of the poor visibility. However, a vehicle traveling behind the semi was unable to stop in time and rear-ended the larger truck, sparking the initial collision on the interstate.
Although both vehicles involved in the first crash managed to pull off Interstate 70, the danger did not end there. Investigators say three additional vehicles then struck the stopped semi and passenger vehicle. The fast-moving traffic combined with limited visibility made it nearly impossible for other drivers to react quickly enough, turning the crash into a devastating chain reaction.
Gary Stoll was rushed to a nearby hospital following the collision. Despite medical efforts, he later died from his injuries. His death has left the Oakley community mourning the sudden loss of a local resident. Officials have not released additional details about Stoll or the specific vehicle he was in at the time of the crash.
Five other people were injured in the pileup and transported to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not shared updates on their conditions. The crash serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly weather conditions like blowing dust can become deadly, especially along open highways where visibility can disappear in seconds.
