Man Hurt in Kansas City Car Accident on I-635 at Orville Ave

Kansas City, KS (February 25, 2026) – In the early morning darkness, a serious wrong-way crash unfolded along Interstate 635, leaving one man with significant injuries. The Kansas City car accident occurred at approximately 1:24 a.m. on February 25 on southbound I-635 near Orville Avenue, just north of Interstate 70.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2025 Kia Telluride sport utility vehicle was traveling north in the southbound lanes when it ran off the roadway and struck an embankment. After impact, the SUV caught fire. The vehicle sustained extensive damage as flames spread following the crash.

The driver and sole occupant, 47-year-old Martez Jermaine Blakney of Kansas City, Kansas, suffered serious injuries. He was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital for further treatment. Due to the intensity of the fire, authorities were unable to determine whether a seat belt was in use at the time of the collision.

Traffic along I-635 was affected while crews worked to extinguish the blaze and clear debris from the roadway. The investigation into the cause of the wrong-way crash remains ongoing with the Kansas Highway Patrol.

We hope Martez Jermaine Blakney recovers quickly from his injuries.

Car Accidents in Kansas

A Kansas City car accident can happen at any hour, including the early morning when visibility is limited and traffic patterns are less predictable. Across Kansas, thousands of injury crashes are reported each year, many involving high speeds on interstate highways. Crashes often lead to significant medical expenses and time away from work.

For families affected by a car accident, understanding their legal rights is critical. Each Kansas City car accident presents unique circumstances, from wrong-way driving to impaired operation. When a Kansas City car accident causes serious harm, injured victims may need guidance about pursuing compensation and holding responsible parties accountable.

When reviewing crashes like this one, it is important to understand some of the common factors that contribute to serious interstate accidents:

• Wrong-Way Driving: Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous roadway incidents because they often result in head-on impacts at highway speeds. These Kansas City car accidents can cause severe injuries due to the combined force of two vehicles moving toward each other. Factors such as driver confusion, impairment, or missed signage can play a role. Interstate ramps and poorly lit areas may increase the likelihood of such incidents during overnight hours.
• Speed on Interstates: Highways like I-635 are designed for faster travel, but higher speeds reduce reaction time. When a vehicle leaves the roadway at interstate speeds, the force of impact with fixed objects such as embankments can be extreme. Excessive speed can also make it more difficult for drivers to correct mistakes. Even a brief lapse in judgment may lead to a Kansas City car accident with catastrophic consequences.
• Vehicle Fires After Impact: In some crashes, fuel system damage or engine compartment rupture can lead to vehicle fires. Fires add another layer of danger, increasing the risk of burns and complicating rescue efforts. Victims may suffer additional injuries related to smoke inhalation. These situations also make it harder for investigators to determine certain details, such as seat belt usage.
• Serious Injury Outcomes: High-speed collisions can lead to traumatic injuries including fractures, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries. Some victims may also experience head trauma that requires extended medical care. Recovery can involve surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy. The financial and emotional toll on families can be overwhelming in the aftermath of a major crash.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Kansas crash, speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Kansas can help you better understand your legal options. An experienced attorney can review the details of the incident, gather critical evidence, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.

Get Help After a Kansas City Car Accident Today

At Wallentine Injury Law, we are committed to helping injured Kansans seek fair compensation after serious crashes. Attorney Jerry “Wally” Wallentine has spent nearly two decades representing individuals and families across Kansas and the Kansas City metro area. He has handled more than 1,000 cases and recovered millions of dollars for clients, including multiple seven-figure results.

Our car accident attorney focuses heavily on automobile accident claims and understands how insurance companies attempt to reduce payouts. We are client centered and truth driven in every case we handle. We believe the court system exists to provide justice through compensation when someone is hurt. If you were injured in a crash, call Wallentine Injury Law today for a free consultation at 913-934-6333.

Notes: This article was written using available secondary sources regarding the reported accident. We have not independently verified every detail. If you notice any incorrect information, please contact Wallentine Injury Law right away so we can make prompt updates with the most accurate details available. We will also remove this post upon request.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to promote awareness of roadway dangers and encourage safer driving to help prevent serious injuries. This accident news article is not intended as a business solicitation, nor should it be taken as medical or legal guidance. The image used in this post does not depict the actual accident scene.