An Emporia teen was airlifted from the scene of a head on collision in Chase County Friday afternoon.
According to the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred just after 3 pm at mile marker 323 on US Highway 50. According to the Sheriff’s department, a passenger car, driven by 19-year-old Donnie Cates of Emporia was traveling eastbound when Cates reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.
The car then crossed the center line and collided with a westbound semi tractor trailer driven by 55-year-old David Alcorn of Marion. Cates had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita by a LifeSave Helicopter. Alcorn was not injured.
Traffic was backed up for several miles in both directions for roughly an hour following the accident. Both Cates and Alcorn were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.
Cates condition is unknown.
