MCPHERSON-  The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Nissan Rogue driven by Pamela D. Pierce, 56, Hutchinson, was in the driving lane on northbound Interstate 135 just north of McPherson.  The driver attempted to pass another vehicle cutting in front of a 2004 Ford Explorer driven by Kay Dianne Pautz, 69, Alexandria, MN.

The Ford struck the rear of the Nissan causing the Ford to swerve. The Ford then rolled across the median and into the southbound ditch.

Pautz and a passenger in the Ford Gary Walter Pautz, 70, Alexandria, MN., were pronounced dead at the scene. They were transported to Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center. No other injuries were reported. All were properly restrained at the time of the accident.

——

MCPHERSON-  Two people were killed in an accident on I-135 Thursday afternoon. The accident happened just north of McPherson around 5 pm.

Troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol said a northbound SUV hit the back of another SUV driving north.

The trailing vehicle crossed the median, crossed the southbound lanes, rolled several times then caught fire in a ditch on the west side of the interstate. The driver and a passenger were killed. Southbound traffic was backed up near the crash site.

Check Hays Post for additional details as they become available.