Marion County, KS — January 20, 2025, Kendall Harding was killed in a truck accident at about 1 p.m. on U.S. Route 56/U.S. Route 77.

Authorities said a 2019 Ram 1500 pickup was driving north near 270th Road when it crashed into a 2023 Peterbilt semi-truck for an unknown reason.

Ram driver Kendall Layne Harding, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash south of Lincolnville, according to authorities.

The truck driver was not injured, but emergency personnel did have to contend with a fuel spill because the truck's fuel tank ruptured in the crash.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary

Crashes involving semi-trucks and passenger vehicles demand a deeper look than what’s typically visible at the crash scene. When a pickup collides with a commercial truck, the immediate focus is often on how the vehicles came to intersect, but the true causes often lie in less obvious details.

One area that deserves scrutiny is the condition of the semi-truck itself. A ruptured fuel tank was noted in this crash, which raises concerns about the truck’s design and maintenance. Many semi-trucks have side-mounted fuel tanks that are vulnerable to impacts. Investigators should examine whether the tank in this case had sufficient protective shielding or whether design improvements could have mitigated the damage. This is particularly important, as fuel spills can introduce hazards not only to emergency responders but to other motorists in the area.

It’s also critical to examine the role of the roadway and surrounding environment. Rural highways like U.S. Route 56/U.S. Route 77 often present challenges, such as limited visibility, high-speed limits or narrow lanes. Investigators should evaluate whether these factors might have contributed to the crash and whether changes could improve safety for all who use the road.

The actions and responsibilities of the trucking company must also be considered. Commercial carriers are required to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and that their drivers are adequately trained to operate them safely. Did the trucking company fulfill its obligations to keep its vehicle in proper working condition and its driver prepared to navigate this area? These are the types of questions that should guide any investigation into a crash of this nature.

In cases like this, it’s essential to avoid making assumptions about what happened based solely on appearances. A thorough investigation that examines all contributing factors — vehicle condition, road design and company practices — is the only way to fully understand what caused this collision.