What began as a reported car versus train collision in Osage County early Monday eventually evolved into a multi-agency search effort.
According to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells, just after 7:30 am, the Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a collision involving a train and a vehicle near Kansas Highway 276 and South Lewelling Road, 2 miles east of Olivet. Osage County EMS and Fire District 3 responded to the scene and located no individuals with the vehicle, which initiated a search of the area.
Multiple agencies were involved in the effort, which covered an estimated 2 to 3-mile radius with ground crews, aerial support and community volunteers all assisting. Nearly eight hours after the initial call, an 82-year-old woman was found alive wandering a heavily wooded area near the train tracks and was determined to be the individual driving the vehicle.
She was then transported to an undisclosed Topeka hospital with unlisted injuries. The woman’s name and current status are unknown.
The Osage County Sheriff’s Office offered its thanks to the community agencies and volunteers who assisted in the search.
