Truck Accident in Ottawa, KS on I-35 Near U.S. 59 Interchange

Ottawa, KS (January 16, 2026) – A serious truck accident in Ottawa left one man hospitalized late Thursday night, January 15, after two semi-trucks collided on Interstate 35 Southbound near milepost 183.2, close to the U.S. 59 interchange on the southern end of the city.

Around 11:03 p.m., 21-year-old Harmanpreet Singh of Hollywood, California, was driving a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia semi when, for reasons still under investigation, he veered off onto the right shoulder. Singh then attempted to return to the road, but his vehicle struck the center guardrail and came to a stop, disabled in the middle of the interstate.

Another semi-truck, a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia operated by 21-year-old Yovanpreet S. Mallhi from Fresno, California, was traveling southbound and struck Singh’s disabled truck. The impact caused significant damage to both tractor-trailers. Emergency crews with the Kansas Highway Patrol arrived swiftly and coordinated the response.

Harmanpreet Singh sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported to AdventHealth Ottawa for medical care. Mallhi reported no injuries at the scene. Both trucks were hauling trailers and had to be removed from the scene by Andy’s Towing.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Traffic was delayed while crews cleared the scene and investigated.

We hope Harmanpreet Singh recovers quickly and fully from his injuries.

Truck Accidents in Kansas

Truck accidents in Kansas are often catastrophic due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. These incidents can leave victims with spinal cord injuries or other long-term damage that disrupts their ability to work or care for themselves.

In 2022 alone, Kansas recorded over 4,500 large truck crashes, many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident in Ottawa, you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking injury help from a knowledgeable legal team after a truck accident can help you better understand your rights and identify the cause of the crash.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents don’t just happen. They often have underlying causes that should never be ignored. Here are some common issues that lead to these devastating crashes:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to slowed reaction times and poor decision-making. Federal regulations limit how long drivers can be on the road, but these rules aren’t always followed.
• Poor Truck Maintenance: Commercial trucks require routine inspections and repairs. When companies skip maintenance, brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues can result in devastating consequences.
• Overloaded Trailers: Trucks hauling more than the legal weight limit may be harder to stop and more prone to rollovers, especially on highways at high speeds.
• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, adjusting GPS systems, and other distracted driving actions can cause drivers to look away from the road just long enough to miss a stopped or slowing vehicle.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Operating a semi-truck takes skill and training. Some crashes happen when companies fail to properly train their drivers or rush them into routes before they’re ready.
• Road Hazards and Weather: Slick roads, poor signage, or highway debris can all lead to catastrophic truck collisions. These hazards are especially dangerous at high speeds on highways like I-35.

Each of these factors can make a truck accident in Ottawa significantly more dangerous than typical car crashes. If you’re facing medical bills or lost wages, a dedicated truck accident lawyer can help investigate and build a case on your behalf.

Get Help After a Truck Accident in Ottawa

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident in Ottawa, we understand how overwhelming it can be. At Wallentine Injury Law, our goal is to help people like you take back control. Led by attorney Jerry Wallentine, our firm is committed to honest, aggressive, and client-centered representation. We focus on the truth, and we make sure your voice is heard in every stage of the legal process.

With over 1,000 clients represented and millions recovered, we have the experience and dedication you need. We know how to challenge unfair insurance tactics and ensure the black box and other evidence is fully investigated, especially in complex truck collisions. If your injuries require long-term care, we’ll fight for what’s needed. Don’t wait to get started. Call our office at 913-934-6333 today for a free consultation. You Need Jerry—and we’re ready to stand with you.

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.