Pomona Man Critically Injured in Highway 56 Crash

Collision with box truck leaves driver hospitalized in Topeka

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:55pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled car part or piece of debris from the crash site, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of a high-speed highway collision exposes the fragility of modern vehicles and the need for heightened safety precautions.Overbrook Today

A 29-year-old man from Pomona, Kansas was seriously injured after his 2020 Kia Telluride crossed the centerline on U.S. Highway 56 and collided with a 2016 Freightliner box truck near Overbrook. The driver of the box truck was uninjured.

Why it matters

This crash on a major highway in Osage County highlights the dangers of distracted or impaired driving and the importance of seatbelt use. Highway 56 is a vital transportation route in northeast Kansas, and incidents like this can significantly disrupt traffic and commerce.

The details

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 5:20 a.m. on April 2. The Pomona man's Kia crossed the centerline and collided with the oncoming box truck. The Kia driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital in Topeka for treatment. The 35-year-old box truck driver from Gardner was unharmed, and both drivers were wearing their seatbelts.

  • The crash occurred around 5:20 a.m. on April 2, 2026.
  • The Pomona man was transported to a Topeka hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The players

Pomona Man

A 29-year-old driver of a 2020 Kia Telluride who was seriously injured in the crash.

Box Truck Driver

A 35-year-old man from Gardner, Kansas who was driving a 2016 Freightliner box truck and was uninjured in the collision.

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What’s next

The Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices, such as staying alert, avoiding distractions, and always wearing a seatbelt, to prevent serious accidents on highways like U.S. 56 in Kansas.