A 74-year-old man died Tuesday morning after a semi-tractor trailer driven by an Emporian struck the rear of his 1988 Dodge pickup truck.
According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Roy T. Cummings, 31, of Emporia, was driving a 2006 Kenworth truck west on Kansas Highway 150 in Marion County when his truck struck the left rear of the pickup driven by John H. Jayen, 74, of Marion.
Jayen, who was not wearing a safety restraint, was thrown from the pickup. Cummings was not injured. His truck was removed by Flint Hills Towing and was returned to Emporia.
The accident happened about 11 a.m. at mile marker 1.4, about a mile and a half east of the K150 and U.S. Highway 77 junction, the KHP reported.
madpoet (anonymous) says...
How sad! Too bad Mr. Jayen didn't have his seat belt on or he may have been ok. It's not often a semi hits a passenger vehicle, all the truckers I know are very careful since they know any accident could be deadly. I've talked to one trucker who jack-knifed his rig in order to avoid running over a car that had darted into his path. My heart goes out to Mr. Cummings and the family and friends of Mr. Jayen. What a horrible incident.
January 22, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Tragedy for sure. The article doesn't say it, but I'd be willing to bet the elder gentlemen pulled out in front of the semi. I travel K150 many times a year thru that area. Rarely can you go from K-177 thru Marion and Hillsboro without having someone pull out in front of you. It causes you to brake hard to avoid running into them or hitting them broadside when they are crossing the highway. Many times, I've had to follow them several miles until they turn off into one of the towns. They pull out in front of you rather than waiting for a break in the traffic, then only drive 30-40 mph in heavy traffic. I've been driving that route for over 20 years, I don't even bother setting the cruise control after stopping at Hwy-177 any longer because I know I'll be braking soon to avoid someone.
My condolences to the family of the deceased, concerned for Roy's well being as well.
January 22, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )