Update (January 24, 2025): Authorities have identified Tiburcio Gonzalez, 55, as the driver of the van. Ines Benitez-Miranda, 67, Roberto Cuate, 47, Rosa Gutierrez, 27, Roberto Gutierrez Quintero, 63, Reyna Linares De Cucate, 64, and a 1-year-old child also were injured in the crash.

Mulvane, KS — January 2, 2025, Ernestina Eumana-Alvarez and an infant were killed and eight other people were injured in a car accident at about midnight on the Kansas Turnpike/Interstate 35.

Authorities said a Chevrolet Express van pulling a trailer overturned for an unknown while traveling south. A Jeep Grand Cherokee then crashed into the van.

Ernestina Eumana-Alvarez and her 1-month-old grandson died in the crash, according to authorities. Seven other relatives in the van were hospitalized, including five of them with serious injuries.

A 61-year-old Jeep passenger was taken to the hospital as well with minor injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash near mile marker 32 at this time.

The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about the recent crash near Mulvane, Kansas, my thoughts go to the families grappling with such an unimaginable loss. While details are still limited, every crash raises critical questions that must be answered to ensure accountability and clarity. These questions include whether authorities thoroughly investigated the crash, whether a vehicle or trailer defect played a role and whether all relevant electronic data has been collected.

The first question is whether the authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Given the complexity of this chain of events, law enforcement should examine every angle, including accident reconstruction, speaking to witnesses and evaluating physical evidence at the scene. However, it’s important to recognize that police resources are often stretched thin, and significant aspects of the crash may remain unexplored. Independent investigators can play a critical role in filling these gaps, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Next, it’s essential to consider whether a defect in the van, trailer or even the Jeep contributed to the crash. Issues such as a malfunctioning hitch system, overloaded or improperly balanced trailer cargo or mechanical failures — like worn tires or faulty brakes — could all lead to the loss of control at highway speeds. Unfortunately, investigations into these possibilities are often overlooked unless a forensic examination of the vehicles and trailer is conducted. Preserving the vehicles and trailer for such an inspection is crucial, as evidence of a defect could otherwise be lost if they are repaired or scrapped.

Finally, it’s critical to determine whether all electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles often contain engine control modules (ECMs) that record valuable information, such as speed, braking and steering inputs in the moments before a crash. Surveillance footage from nearby toll plazas or traffic cameras could provide visual evidence, and cell phone records may reveal whether distraction played a role. Collecting this data quickly is vital because it can be overwritten or erased over time. Without it, the investigation risks missing key details that could explain how and why this crash occurred.

At the core of any crash investigation is the responsibility to provide answers. For those injured and for the families of the victims, understanding the cause of the crash is essential for finding closure and ensuring accountability. Thoroughly addressing these three questions ensures that no aspect of the crash goes unexplored, giving those affected the clarity they deserve.