Semi jumps interstate median near Hays

A Florida semi driver who fell asleep at the wheel on Interstate 70 east of Hays crossed the median and both lanes of traffic before coming to rest in the south ditch.

Robert Roger Small, 40, Deltona, Fla., was driving a 2010 semi westbound at 8:23 a.m. Sunday on I-70 approximately 3 miles east of Hays when he fell asleep, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The semi, pulling a Vanguard trailer, went into the median, jumped a cross-over and was airborne for 84 feet before landing and overturning on its right side. The semi then slid across both lanes of interstate before stopping in the south ditch.

Small was taken to Hays Medical Center to be treated for possible injuries. His passenger, Jeffery Duane Chesley, 36, Sanford, Fla., was uninjured.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and both people wore their seat belts.