By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

A collision between a semi and a tractor Tuesday on K-15 five miles north of Hillsboro sent both drivers to hospitals and required extensive cleanup of fluids and corn that spilled from the truck.

According to Kansas Highway Patrol, a southbound 2007 Kenworth semi driven by Myrta M. Lopez, 39, Wichita, was passing a tractor driven by Kyson L. Gawith, 15, Hillsboro, when the tractor started to turn left at a residence.

The semi hit the front of the tractor and rolled onto its side.

Gawith complained of possible injury and was taken to Hillsboro Community Hospital.

Lopez was taken to Wesley Medical Center with suspected minor injuries.

Diesel fuel and engine oil spilled from the semi into the west ditch, emergency management director Marcy Hostetler said.

Its load of corn also spilled when the semi-trailer landed on its side.

“Kansas Department of Health and Environment is taking care of it right now,” Hostetler said.

The tractor lost its rear along with a round bale of hay loaded on it.

Hostetler said KDHE inspectors would return today and take soil samples to see whether additional oil and fuel was in the soil.

They likely will come on an intermittent basis to test and make sure they got all contaminants out of the ground, she said.