MEADE COUNTY — Two people died in an accident just before 10a.m. Saturday in Meade County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Envoy driven by Xavier Lemus, 62, Liberal was eastbound on US 54 three miles west of Meade.

The vehicle moved toward the center line in a possible passing attempt. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It went into a side skid. An eastbound semi  struck the Envoy on the driver’s side.

Lemus was transported to the hospital in Liberal where he died.  A passenger Maria C. Castillo-Delemus, 58, Liberal, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The semi driver from California was not injured.  All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.