Kansas Student Survives Crash, Plummets 70 Feet From Overpass
After a multi-vehicle collision, a student narrowly avoided another car only to fall from a bridge, sustaining critical injuries.
A Kansas University student survived a major highway pile-up last Friday night, only to fall approximately 70 feet from a bridge.
Kyra Kinnison, 20, was on the side of Highway K-18 near Ogden, west of Topeka, following a crash involving four vehicles. As she stood there, another vehicle swerved to navigate around the accident scene and headed directly toward her.
Kinnison jumped to avoid being struck by the approaching car. In a terrifying turn of events, she fell over the edge of the bridge, according to police.
First responders located Kinnison after an extensive search and utilized 'high-angle rescue equipment' to lift her from below the bridge. She was found in critical condition.
Kinnison was transported to a hospital in Manhattan and later transferred to Topeka for further treatment. She suffered fractures along her back, including several vertebrae, her pelvis, and her tailbone, and underwent hip realignment surgery on Monday evening.
A GoFundMe page established by her friend, Sara Celeen, states that Kinnison is doing "very well for someone who fell 70 feet" and remains hospitalized. The fundraiser aims to assist with her rent and medical bills.
Kinnison is an animal science and production management major described by Celeen as a "very intelligent, beautiful, friendly, generous young woman." She is reportedly very knowledgeable about cows and other animals.
Corporal Jonathan Shepard of the Riley County Police Department commended the coordinated efforts of the first responders, stating, "This was a complex and rapidly developing scene. The coordinated effort allowed responders to safely manage the crash scene and complete the rescue."