Investigation Underway Following Fatal Crash in Sedgwick County

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities in Sedgwick County are currently investigating a tragic incident that resulted in a deadly crash, leading to the arrest of a teenage driver.

According to Officer Kris Gupilan, the collision occurred at the intersection of E. 23rd St N and Jackson in Wichita, just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene in response to an injury collision.

Upon arrival, first responders were confronted with a devastating sight. Two vehicles, an Acura MDX and a Nissan Altima, had sustained extensive damage as a result of the collision. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the Acura MDX, traveling northbound on Jackson, collided with the Nissan Altima, which was heading eastbound on 23rd Street.

The Nissan Altima was occupied by two females, identified as 28-year-old Nancy Lopez and a 23-year-old woman, both residents of Wichita. Despite the best efforts of the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, Nancy Lopez was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 23-year-old passenger was immediately rushed to a local hospital, where she currently remains in critical condition.

The occupants of the Acura MDX suffered minor injuries. The driver, a 16-year-old boy from Wichita, was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. He has since been booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake Center, facing charges of reckless 2nd Degree Murder and one count of Reckless Aggravated Battery, as stated by Officer Kris Gupilan.

Authorities suspect that excessive speed played a significant role in causing the collision. The police will present their findings and evidence to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging.

Tragically, this incident marks the 31st traffic fatality of 2023 in Wichita, according to the latest figures released by the local police department.