KIOWA COUNTY — Three people died in an accident just before 7a.m. Wednseday in Kiowa County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 International semi driven by Gary Allan Heald, 55, Fergus Falls, MN., was westbound on U54 at Orange Street.

The semi crossed left of center and collided with a 1995 Peterbilt semi driven by Justin Wise, 38, Arkansas City, and both trucks caught fire.

Heald, Wise and a passenger aboard the International Cheryl Marie Thomas, 56,Fergus Falls, MN., were transported to the hospital in Dodge City where they died.

The KHP had no information on seat belt usage.

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WELLSFORD, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Highway Patrol says three people have died in a crash involving two semi-trailer trucks.

The head-on crash occurred early Wednesday on Highway 54 near the town of Wellsford in Kiowa County.

The patrol says both trucks caught fire. The highway was closed for several hours after the crash.

One truck was empty and the other was carrying pork products.

The names of the three people killed have not been released.