Nemaha County, KS (December 02, 2024) – A tragic collision in northeast Kansas on Saturday morning resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man and left four others injured, including a young child. The accident occurred at approximately 11:41 a.m. at the intersection of West Rd and U36 Highway, about five miles west of Fairview.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2017 Ram truck, driven by 37-year-old Mark Ditmars, was traveling south on West Rd when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with U36 Highway. The truck struck a 2017 Honda CR-V on its side, causing a violent collision. Both vehicles came to rest on the south side of the intersection.
Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victims. Ditmars and a passenger were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Honda CR-V, 33-year-old Taylar Deere-Novotny, was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Tragically, a passenger in the CR-V, 35-year-old William Novotny, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 3-year-old child, who was also in the CR-V, sustained a variety of injuries but is expected to survive.
Local authorities are investigating the crash. The Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the cause of the collision. Local law enforcement has expressed its condolences to the families involved and emphasized the importance of safety at rural intersections.
Fatal Accidents in Kansas
Fatal accidents in rural Kansas pose a significant risk to residents and visitors. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dangers at many rural intersections, especially when drivers fail to adhere to stop signs. The intersection where the crash occurred, at West Rd and U36 Highway, is typically a quiet area, but accidents like this one highlight the need for heightened caution and awareness on rural roads.
Many of these roads, which are less trafficked than urban streets, lack the visibility and traffic control measures that might be found in more heavily populated areas. With fewer vehicles on the road, drivers can easily become complacent or unaware of the risks, as was the case in this accident. Rural intersections are often poorly lit or lack clear signage, leading to dangerous situations, especially in adverse weather conditions or when a driver is distracted.
Emergency responders from Nemaha County were quick to assess and treat the victims of this crash, and their efforts likely helped save lives. However, this accident serves as a reminder of the critical need for improved driver awareness, especially in rural areas where stop signs and other critical warnings may be missed or ignored.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are encouraging drivers to exercise caution at all intersections, regardless of how familiar the roads may seem. Residents of Nemaha County and other rural areas are urged to remember that even the most seemingly calm intersections can turn deadly in a split second if proper precautions are not taken.
Local Accident Reports extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating crash. We urge drivers to stay alert, obey traffic signs, and take all necessary precautions to prevent further tragedies on the road.