Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Lives of Two Teens in Drag Racing Incident

According to Sheriff Roger Soldan, on Friday, March 15th, tragedy struck the 2800 block of West Crawford near Fairchild Road at 6:26 pm, as a head-on collision unfolded. Preliminary reports suggest that a pair of Chevy Camaros were engaged in drag racing, resulting in a devastating crash.

A 2001 Chevy Camaro was traveling westbound on Crawford Street. A blue 2022 Chevy Silverado was traveling eastbound on Crawford Street. The Camaro was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane when they collided head-on with the Silverado.

The Camaro was driven by 17-year-old Vance R McComber. Passengers in the Camaro include Anthony J Windell, and Alfonso D Torres Ramirez, both 17-years-old. McComber was not believed to be wearing a seatbelt; it is unknown if Windell was wearing a seatbelt, and Torres Ramirez was wearing a seatbelt.

The front occupants of the vehicle, McComber and Windell were pronounced dead at the scene. Torres Ramirez was transported to Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Silverado was driven by Rosa Vasquez, 42, of Lorraine, KS, and 12-year-old Judy Vasquez was a passenger in the truck. Both occupants of the truck were transported to SRHC with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

An additional vehicle traveling eastbound in front of the Silverado narrowly avoided the collision by veering off the road. The other vehicle involved in the racing incident, a blue 2017 Chevy Camaro, and its driver and occupants have been identified, and investigations are ongoing.