On Thursday, February 19th, at about 10:17 a.m. Barton County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a reported injury accident on US 281 Highway at milepost 102.5. This location is South of Great Bend on the curves south of 20 road.

A 2005 Ford Explorer, operated by Lafe Kern, age 26, of St. John, was southbound. Investigation indicates Kern crossed left of center nearly striking a northbound vehicle. The first vehicle was able to avoid the collision. A second vehicle northbound on US 281 was struck head-on. Kern was alone in the vehicle at the time of the collision.

The northbound vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, was operated by Heather Cash, age 29 of Pratt. There were three other passengers in the Cash vehicle. Candace Lampe, age 52, of Pratt and Cash’s two children ages 3 years and 8 ½ months. Both children were properly restrained in child restraint devices and had only minor injuries.

The adult passengers all required extraction by the Great Bend Fire Department and were transported to Great Bend Regional Hospital. All three adults were subsequently flown to Wichita area hospitals.

US 281 Highway was closed for approximately an hour and a half while emergency crews were present.

It is currently unknown why the Kern vehicle crossed left of center. The accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Kansas Highway Patrol, Great Bend Fire Department and the Kansas Department of Transportation.