Ark City man killed in Kay County vehicle accident

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that a fatality collision occurred at about 6:24 a.m. on Saturday at US-77 and County Road State Line Road, northbound, approximately 7.5 miles north of Newkirk in Kay County.

The patrol said the accident involved a 2016 Jeep Wrangler driven by Andrew Banta (SIC), 28, of Arkansas City, KS. Bantas was pronounced dead at the scene with head internal and leg external injuries. Pronounced by Newkirk EMS and the Medical Examiner Dr. William Posey.

The Highway Patrol’s report stated that the vehicle was northbound on US-77 and for an unknown reason departed the roadway to the left into the center median, striking a delineator. The vehicle drove in the center median still northbound for approximately 1/10th of a mile. The vehicle then hit a yield sign and rolled approximately 3 times, coming to rest approximately 256 feet north of the Oklahoma/Kansas State Line. The driver was ejected from the vehicle, approximately 15 feet. Seatbelts were reportedly equipped, but not in use. Airbags were equipped and deployed. The driver reportedly had an odor of alcoholic beverage and the cause of the collision is attributed to driving under the influence.

Investigated by Trooper A Crompton # 851 of the Kay/Noble County detachment of Troop K. Assisted by the Kansas Highway Patrol, Cowley County Sheriff’s Office (Kansas), Newkirk EMS, and Arkansas City EMS (Kansas).

This report is based upon the trooper’s investigation of this collision. It may contain the opinion of the trooper.