Lawrence, KS (July 31, 2025) — A semitrailer crash on Interstate 70 sent one man to the hospital Wednesday morning after a mechanical failure caused the vehicle to roll off the highway in Douglas County.

According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 9:57 a.m. on July 30 along the Kansas Turnpike, about one mile east of Lawrence. A 2020 Peterbilt semi was traveling westbound when its front-right steer tire separated from the rim.

The failure caused the truck to veer off the roadway to the right, where it entered a ditch and overturned. The driver, 73-year-old William O’Neil of Independence, Missouri, was alone in the vehicle and wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. He was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, with injuries believed to be minor.

The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the equipment failure.

Protect Your Rights After an Accident Today

Truck accidents involving equipment failure can lead to severe injuries and financial hardship. Whether you’re a commercial driver or another motorist injured in such an incident, understanding the cause is critical. Mechanical defects, poor maintenance, or faulty manufacturing could leave third parties liable. An experienced personal injury attorney can help uncover these contributing factors and pursue claims for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Protect your rights by speaking with legal counsel as soon as possible following a serious commercial vehicle crash.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

The facts in this report are drawn from preliminary statements by officials and may be adjusted as more information becomes available.

• The investigation into the mechanical failure is still ongoing, and additional findings or recalls may be issued pending further inspection.
• Emergency services have not reported any hazardous materials or cargo spills at the crash scene.
• Drivers in the area should follow Kansas Turnpike Authority alerts for roadway updates and recovery efforts.

This article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional legal or medical advice. All data was current at the time of publication but may change with continuing investigations. Anyone impacted by this incident should consult a qualified attorney. Please review our full disclaimer.