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Ness City Today
By the People, for the People
Dust Storm Causes Deadly Pileup on I-70 in Kansas
Six vehicles involved in series of collisions due to low visibility
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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A dust storm on Interstate 70 in Thomas County, Kansas led to a fatal multi-vehicle pileup on Tuesday afternoon. One driver, Gary L. Stoll, 75, of Oakley, was killed in the crash, while several other drivers and passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. The chain-reaction collisions began when a semi-truck entered the dust storm and slowed down, leading to a series of rear-end crashes involving six vehicles.
Why it matters
Dust storms are a common hazard on Kansas highways, especially during the spring and summer months. This tragic incident highlights the dangers drivers face when visibility is severely reduced, and the importance of exercising caution and being prepared to react quickly in such conditions.
The details
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the pileup occurred at 1:15 pm in the eastbound lanes of I-70, about 3.8 miles west of the U.S. 83 intersection. A 2025 Volvo semi-truck pulling a trailer entered the dust storm and slowed down, leading a Toyota Highlander driven by Craig I. Goodman, 70, from Ness City, to hit the rear of the trailer. This triggered a chain reaction, with several other vehicles colliding as well.
- The pileup occurred at 1:15 pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2026.
- The incident took place 3.8 miles west of the U.S. 83 intersection on Interstate 70 in Thomas County, Kansas.
The players
Gary L. Stoll
A 75-year-old driver from Oakley, Kansas who was killed in the crash.
Craig I. Goodman
A 70-year-old driver from Ness City, Kansas whose Toyota Highlander hit the rear of the semi-trailer, triggering the chain-reaction collisions.
Catherine W. Stout
A 63-year-old passenger in an Acura MCX who was transported to Wesley Medical Center with suspected serious injuries.
What’s next
Authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the crash and determine if any charges will be filed. The section of I-70 where the incident occurred was closed for several hours while the scene was cleared.
The takeaway
This fatal pileup serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of driving safely in hazardous weather conditions. Motorists should always be prepared to slow down or stop suddenly when visibility is poor, and should avoid traveling in dust storms if possible to prevent such tragic outcomes.
