A crash involving a trash truck closes 159th Street in OP

A rush-hour crash involving a trash truck and two vehicles forced the closure of 159th Street at Roe Avenue in Overland Park.

Emergency crews responded about 7:50 a.m. to reports of the crash along 159th Street between Nall Avenue and Mission Road. One person suffered severe injuries. Two others suffered minor injuries.

Witness told police that the trash truck was headed west on 159th Street and drifted across the double yellow line. The truck struck an eastbound Dodge Ram pickup truck that was pulling a trailer with lawn equipment.

A black Ford Excursion behind the pickup truck was also struck by the trash truck as it continued to drift across the eastbound lane and into a ditch before it struck a large tree.

Rescue workers had to extricate the driver from the trash truck. The driver suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to a hospital.

The drivers of the pickup and SUV also were taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Kansas City Star

www.kansascity.com

Thursday, June 30, 2011 9:29 a.m.