(KNZA)--Two are dead, and three are hospitalized, following a double vehicle Brown County crash Wednesday that left a stretch of U.S. Highway 73 closed for hours.
The Kansas Highway Patrol identifies the two who were killed as 52-year-old Horton resident Michael James and 80-year-old Upland, Nebraska resident Patricia Boldt.
The fatal afternoon crash happened on the highway, 4 miles south of U.S. Highway 36, around 1:45.
According to the Patrol's report, James was the driver of a northbound Chevy Suburban that went left of center and smashed into a southbound Toyota Sienna just right of center.
Boldt was a passenger in the Toyota, which was driven by 80-year-old Delwyn Boldt, also from Upland, Nebraska.
He required hospitalized treatment at the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas.
Traveling with the Boldts were two teenagers from North Carolina.
15-year-old Luke Boldt was transported to Children's Mercy, in Kansas City while 15-year-old Leland Boldt was taken to the Horton Community Hospital.
The Patrol's report says all three suffered disabling injuries.
James, who was traveling alone, is listed by the Patrol as being the only one involved in the fatal wreck who was not buckled up at the time that it happened.
However, the Patrol notes that Luke Boldt's seat belt was being worn improperly.
Editor's note: Below is the original story reported by MSC News shortly after the wreck occurred.
(KNZA)--A stretch of U.S Highway 73 is closed in Brown County this hour, following a two vehicle crash.
Brown County Sheriff John Merchant tells MSC News the roadway is closed to all traffic just south of 190th, the Landfill Road.
Merchant says it's likely the stretch will remain shut down for several hours, and motorists are told to find an alternate route.
The closure follows a two vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon that sent at least two to local hospitals.
Sources close to the investigation say two were killed in the crash, but that has not yet been officially confirmed.
According to Merchant, the Kansas Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation.
He says numerous agencies have been assisting at the scene, including the fire departments, and EMS, from both Hiawatha and Horton, Kickapoo Tribal emergency responders, and the Brown County Rescue Unit.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Council hears report from golf course
LATEST STORIES
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Road, railway repairs, underway in Atchison this week
KS replacement plates see long wait times
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
One injured in Holt County MO wreck