Three people sustained minor injuries late Friday morning when a Colorado man, who had lost consciousness, drove his truck into a camping area at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield. Police said the crash caused extensive property damage.
62-year-old Steven McCartney – a long-time performer at the festival – was said to have suffered a medical episode that caused him to crash his 2006 Chevy 1500 into a 2016 Toyota Highlander.
The initial collision started a chain of other collisions. A total of three vehicles and two campers – a fifth-wheel and Airstream – were damaged. An awning was also damaged.
Sgt. David Dougherty, with the Winfield Police Dept., said it appeared McCartney’s foot hit the accelerator when he lost consciousness.
“Witnesses said there appeared to be no braking,” Dougherty said. “It was a significant collision.”
The Chevy 1500 and the Highlander were towed from the scene and appeared to be totaled. Both campers also sustained significant damage.
McCartney and two bystanders were taken to William Newton Hospital for treatment and later released. The crash occurred about 150 yards west of the Ninth Ave. Entry Gate at the Winfield Fairgrounds.
Dougherty said it was unclear exactly what the two bystanders were struck by.
“I’m not sure they even know,” he said. “They just looked up to see things moving toward them that shouldn’t have been moving toward them. ”
