Garden City, KS : A Ulysses woman was killed in an auto accident in Finney County on Wednesday, September 13, 2017

A Ulysses woman was killed in an auto accident in Finney County Wednesday night after she rear-ended a semi truck, causing the truck tanker to spill anhydrous ammonia and close a portion of U.S Highway 50 for about 12 hours.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Mark R. Moore, 60, of Oklahoma was parked in his Kenworth semi with flashers on at a railroad crossing at about 9:06 p.m. about two miles west of Garden City near U.S. 50 mile marker 64. At around that time, Janet Pucket, 56, of Ulysses rear-ended Moore in her Ford Explorer after attempting an avoidance maneuver.

Pucket was transported to St. Catherine Hospital, where she died. She was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, as was Moore. Moore was uninjured.

At about 10 p.m. Wednesday, the Finney County Sheriff’s Office issued a notice that the accident, which occurred just west of Anderson Road, had caused the semi to leak anhydrous ammonia. Residents north and south of that location were recommended to remain inside with windows closed to avoid exposure.

Anhydrous ammonia is compressed into a clear, colorless liquid and used as an agricultural fertilizer. It is also one of the most dangerous chemicals used in agriculture because it seeks out moisture, including moisture found in the human body, dehydrating tissue and causing chemical burns.

The road closure spanned from the intersection of U.S. 50 and Campus Drive west to Big Low Road just north of Holcomb. Both eastbound and westbound lanes were closed between Big Lowe and VFW roads.

The highway was reopened at about 10:53 Thursday morning, after fire department personnel contained the spill.

Source :
Ulysses woman killed in wreck; semi leaks anhydrous ammonia