At least 8 dead, over 70 vehicles involved in massive pileup on interstate in Kansas

SHERMAN COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - Authorities in Kansas say at least eight people have died in a massive pileup on Interstate 70.

The Kansas Department of Transportation reopened a large portion of I-70 between Goodland and Colby after a Friday afternoon crash that involved more than 70 vehicles.

At least eight people died in the crash, the Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed Saturday afternoon.

KHP set up a phone number for family members searching for loved ones who were involved in the crash, which is 785-827-4437.

Extreme winds led to blowing dust and zero visibility Friday afternoon.

According to Goodland Fire Chief Brian James, more than 30 patients were taken to hospitals.

“We had to think outside the box to get patients transported to hospitals in Goodland and Colby by using our fire department support vehicles to using patrol vehicles,” James said. “I’m sorry for the lives lost in this, but I’m grateful for the ones we could save.”

James added that firefighters had to “cut deceased people out of their vehicles.”

A potent storm system swept through the area over the weekend, bringing in rain and high winds. Wind gusts of up to 65 mph combined with low humidity also created critical to extreme fire weather concerns.

Additionally, violent tornadoes have been seen in parts of the U.S. as destructive winds moved east into the Mississippi Valley and Deep South on Saturday.

Copyright 2025 KWCH via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.