UPDATE: Lawrence man died in Highway 50 accident
By Gwendolynne Larson
Originally published 08:20 a.m., July 21, 2010
Updated 02:44 p.m., July 21, 2010
An 80-year-old Lawrence man died early this morning after his car was struck by a semi near Saffordville.
Carl H. Allam was driving a 1997 Mercury LaSabre eight miles east of Strong City when the accident occurred.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol report, Allam "was eastbound in the westbound lane, was moving slow or was stopped."
His car was struck by a westbound semi in the westbound lane. That driver, Jerry Lynn Henley of Jackson, Ark., was wearing a seat belt and was not injured. His 1999 FRHT semi towing a trailer was towed by Flint Hills Towing.
Allam, who also was wearing a seat belt, died at the scene.
The accident occurred just before 3 a.m. and tied up traffic on the eastbound lanes while rescue workers worked. Westbound traffic was able to pass on the shoulder.
Check back for more details.
reality (anonymous) says...
Eastbound in the Westbound lane, moving slowly or stopped. How was the truck driver not able to avoid him?
July 21, 2010 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reality (anonymous) says...
I guess he might not have had his headlights on, other than that I can't imagine why the truck driver didn't see him in time.
July 21, 2010 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blulitespecial (anonymous) says...
reality- a friend who just got off work said the wind and rain was very bad then,and they finally found a place to pull over and wait for about 30 minutes.
July 21, 2010 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reality (anonymous) says...
That makes sense, appreciate the info.
July 21, 2010 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Landa (anonymous) says...
That road is so dangerous - very hilly and people drive crazy. Poor old man :(
July 21, 2010 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ran (anonymous) says...
This is so sad! May he rest in peace
July 21, 2010 at 9:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
80 yrs old, 3am, heavy rain storm at the time. I'm glad the semi driver was not physically hurt, I'm sure he'll carry this incident with him for a long time.
July 21, 2010 at 11:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Doug (anonymous) says...
I guess Mercury only built the LeSabre in 1997 because Buick built them all the other years.
July 22, 2010 at 12:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lovebug33 (anonymous) says...
I feel sorry for the truck driver he will always remember that day. If it was raining and the wind was blowing I can see why it was hard for the truck driver to see the man. Why was the 80 year old man out at 3 am? My God rest his soul.
July 22, 2010 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )