Topeka, KS — May 13, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 11:15 A.M. on Interstate 70.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead and injured two others during the morning hours of May 13th. According to official reports, Kimberly Terhune was traveling in a Hyundai Santa Fe on Interstate 70 in the westbound lanes, when for unknown reasons the vehicle drifted into the eastbound lanes where it collided with a Dodge pickup truck.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that Terhune had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased, while passengers of the Dodge sustained injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, s however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary

When a vehicle crosses over from one direction of travel into oncoming lanes—especially on a divided highway like Interstate 70—and the result is a fatal head-on collision, the circumstances demand an exhaustive investigation. The May 13th crash involving a Hyundai Santa Fe that entered the eastbound lanes and struck a Dodge pickup head-on raises critical concerns. To determine what caused this incident and whether it could have been prevented, investigators must begin by answering three key questions.

First, has the crash scene been fully analyzed to understand the vehicle’s trajectory and environmental conditions at the time of the incident? On a divided interstate, vehicles are typically separated by medians or barriers, making crossovers rare and often indicative of a sudden or extreme event. Investigators need to examine whether road conditions, visibility, obstructions, or improper signage played a role in the vehicle’s path. Tire marks, impact locations, and debris fields are essential to understanding how the Hyundai drifted into the opposite lanes.

Second, has a possible mechanical failure or driver incapacitation been considered? A sudden crossover without attempted correction can point to a steering or brake failure—or a medical emergency. Investigators should thoroughly inspect the Hyundai Santa Fe for signs of mechanical malfunction and review medical records or autopsy findings for any indication that the driver may have been impaired, fatigued, or experienced a health-related episode. Additionally, whether or not the vehicle’s safety systems performed as expected—such as seatbelts and airbags—should be evaluated in both vehicles.

Third, has electronic data from both the Hyundai and the Dodge been retrieved and analyzed? Most vehicles today are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that store pre-crash data such as speed, throttle input, braking activity, and steering behavior. This data can help confirm whether any evasive maneuvers were attempted and how both vehicles responded in the final seconds before the crash. If dash cam or highway surveillance footage is available, it can provide additional context or help verify the vehicle’s movements before impact.

Fatal crossover collisions on divided highways are uncommon, which makes understanding their causes even more crucial. These three questions—focused on the crash scene, vehicle condition, and digital records—form the backbone of a complete and fact-based investigation. Only by answering them can authorities provide clarity for those involved and take meaningful steps toward preventing future incidents of this nature.