On Dec. 27, just after 7 p.m., Barton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported injury accident at the intersection of K-156 and Northeast 130 Avenue, the Claflin turnoff on K-156 Highway.
Investigation at the scene indicates a 2004 Toyota Prius driven by 32-year-old Matthew Burg of Claflin was southbound on Northeast 130 Avenue when it failed to stop at the stop sign crossing K156. A 2018 Ford F150 driven by 55-year-old Laura Trinkle of Manhattan was eastbound on K-156 and was unable to stop prior to colliding with the Prius. Upon impact, both vehicles traveled northeast before coming to rest in a field.
Burg, as well as two juvenile occupants of the Prius, ages one and three, were transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center - Great Bend Campus. Burg and the one-year-old were later transferred to a Wichita-area hospital with serious injuries.
Trinkle, as well as two passengers, ages 82 and 59, were transported to the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Claflin Fire and EMS services as well as Ellinwood EMS service.