Dec 21, 2023

Sheriff: Kansas driver was huffing before crash

Posted Dec 21, 2023 12:00 AM

ALLEN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman after an  accident that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Monday in Allen County. 

According to Allen County Undersheriff Daren Kellerman, a vehicle driven by a 58-year-old woman from Humboldt was traveling south of Iola when it crossed the center line before slowly drifting back to the driving lane and off the road. 

The vehicle, traveling at an estimated 40-45 mph struck a road sign, launched over a culvert driveway embankment and struck a utility pole.

Investigators determined that the driver was inhaling potentially toxic fumes while driving. "Inhalant abuse, or huffing, is always extremely dangerous. I've never investigated a crash where someone was huffing while driving. We are very lucky that nobody was killed, according to Kellerman.

Deputies arrested the driver who avoided injury because she was wearing a seat belt.  Deputies did not released details on possible charges.