GRAHAM COUNTY, KS – A devastating head-on collision on Thursday afternoon claimed the lives of two drivers on US-24, approximately five miles west of Hill City. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) confirmed the tragic incident, which occurred at around 12:05 p.m., leaving the local community in shock.
Authorities identified the drivers as 41-year-old Jeremiah Lacey Bell of Hill City and 54-year-old Gregory Chad Burger of Kensington. Bell was traveling westbound in a 2000 Nissan Frontier pickup truck when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane, colliding with Burger’s 2018 Peterbilt semitrailer.
Both men were alone in their vehicles at the time of the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene. KHP reported that neither Bell nor Burger was wearing a seat belt, which may have contributed to the severity of their injuries. The collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles, further complicating the investigation.
The crash has raised concerns about highway safety and the importance of adhering to road safety practices, including the use of seat belts. US-24 is a frequently traveled route in northwest Kansas, and accidents on the highway underscore the risks associated with high-speed, two-lane roads.
Investigators are working to determine what led to Bell’s vehicle veering into the oncoming lane. Factors such as distracted driving, fatigue, or mechanical issues have not been ruled out. KHP has appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicles beforehand to come forward with information.
The tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution on the road. Local residents expressed their condolences to the families of Bell and Burger, mourning the loss of two lives in a close-knit community. As investigators piece together the events leading to the collision, efforts to promote awareness about highway safety and the life-saving value of seat belts remain crucial.