Driver dies after car strikes tree, catches fire near Maize

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly crash that occurred early Monday morning, near Maize.

Around 1:44 a.m., deputies, along with Maize and Colwich Police officers, responded to a crash near 45th Street North and 135th Street West. When a Maize police officer arrived, they found a Pontiac G6 that had struck a tree and was on fire.

Colwich firefighters located one person inside the vehicle, who had died at the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate the Pontiac was traveling west on 45th Street North. Just west of 135th, the road transitions from pavement to gravel. Investigators believe the driver lost control on the gravel and hit a tree.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Major Crash Team is investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash. The Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office is working to confirm the driver’s identity.