Updated: Wednesday, July 26, 2 p.m.
Overland Park Police say a teenage driver from Shawnee has died following a chain reaction crash Wednesday morning.
In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Overland Park Police said the victim, a 17-year-old male, was involved in a wreck that ultimately included nine vehicles near Metcalf Avenue and 115th Street in Overland Park.
The crash occurred around 6:45 a.m.
All nine vehicles involved were traveling southbound on Metcalf just past College Boulevard, police said.
Another vehicle, identified only as “Vehicle 1” by police, struck the vehicle being driven by the teen.
The teen’s vehicle then struck two more vehicles in a chain reaction that eventually involved nine vehicles total.
The teenage victim was taken to a local hospital in critical condition immediately after the crash, according to statements provided on Twitter by Overland Park Police spokesperson Off. John Lacy.
Police say the crash is still under investigation.
Anyone who may have information about the incident is urged to call the lead investigator with Overland Park Police at 913-890-1482.
Metcalf Avenue just south of College Boulevard in Overland Park remains closed Wednesday morning following an injury accident involving nine vehicles.
Overland Park Police spokesperson Officer John Lacy wrote on Twitter that one driver was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Media: Due to the injury crash at W. 115th and Metcalf, Metcalf will be closed south of College Blvd. One driver is in critical condition and was transported to an area hospital.
— John P. Lacy (@OPPD_PIO) July 26, 2023
Multiple media outlets, including Fox 4 and KSHB, reported Wednesday the injured person was 17 years old and their injuries were considered life threatening.
A second person involved in the crash reportedly suffered minor injuries.
Lacy tweeted just before 9 a.m. Wednesday that Metcalf Avenue around 115th Street would remain closed for at least another four hours.
KSHB reported the chain reaction crash occurred around 6:45 a.m. and started when a dump truck struck another vehicle, forcing that vehicle on to its side.
