Cherokee County, KS — A tragic two-vehicle crash on Tuesday afternoon near Galena, Kansas, claimed the life of one man and left a woman seriously injured. The accident occurred at 11:52 a.m. at the intersection of Old US-166 and K-26 highways, approximately a mile south of Galena, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The collision involved a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta and a 2006 Ford F-650 tow truck. Authorities reported that the Jetta, traveling east on Old US-166, stopped at a stop sign but failed to yield to the southbound tow truck on K-26. The tow truck struck the driver’s side of the Volkswagen, resulting in severe damage.
The driver of the Jetta, 79-year-old Joseph Monroe Reed of Vinita, Oklahoma, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 73-year-old Cynthia Kay Conrad of Miami, Oklahoma, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, for treatment. Both Reed and Conrad were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The tow truck driver, 23-year-old Joseph Edward Anderson of Webb City, Missouri, escaped unharmed. Anderson, who was alone in the vehicle, was hauling a 2010 Nissan Frontier pickup truck at the time of the collision. He was also wearing his seat belt.
Intersections like the one at Old US-166 and K-26 pose heightened risks due to higher speed limits on rural highways. The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including potential contributing factors such as weather conditions and driver distractions.
This devastating accident underscores the critical importance of road safety, particularly at intersections. Vigilance, patience, and strict adherence to traffic laws are essential for preventing tragedies like this. As the community mourns the loss of Joseph Monroe Reed, attention now turns to the recovery of Cynthia Kay Conrad, who faces a challenging journey ahead.
Local authorities remind drivers to exercise caution, especially when navigating rural highways and stop-sign-controlled intersections. Simple, deliberate actions such as thoroughly checking for oncoming traffic can make all the difference in ensuring safe travels.