Truck Driver Survives Violent Windstorm That Tossed Semi Off Kansas Highway

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A routine drive through Kansas turned into a life-threatening ordeal for truck driver Marcus Clark, whose semi-truck was lifted off the ground and thrown into a ditch by powerful 70 mph wind gusts in Garden City on Tuesday.

Clark, who was hauling an empty trailer on U.S. Route 83 north of K-68 Highway, recalled the terrifying moment when his trailer lifted first and never came back down.

"It was just like a movie. It went in slo-mo," Clark told FOX Weather, describing the violent windstorm that sent his truck careening off the road.

Seatbelt and Luck Saved His Life

As his rig became airborne, Clark said his focus was on avoiding a collision with other vehicles. Realizing he couldn’t regain control, he made the split-second decision to steer into the ditch to minimize damage.

Photos from the crash scene reveal that his truck was likely totaled, yet Clark miraculously escaped unscathed.

"My family, friends, wife… everybody said God was there with me," Clark said. "And when I see the pictures, I'm like, yeah, he really was."

He also credited his seatbelt for saving his life, emphasizing, "Oh my God. Yes. Safety first. If I didn’t have that seatbelt, I wouldn’t be here."

 

Unpredictable Winds Wreak Havoc Across the Region

The dangerous windstorm that toppled Clark’s truck struck even before the arrival of heavy snow, highlighting the extreme force of the gusts.

"I've been through it all—snow, rain, even tornadoes. But wind? If it comes out of nowhere, you're not going to see it," Clark said.

On Tuesday, wind gusts reached 93 mph in Hugoton, Kansas, with multiple reports of 80+ mph gusts across the western part of the state.

The powerful winter storm also killed at least three people in Nebraska as it swept through the Plains and Midwest.

Clark, now recovering from the terrifying experience, is grateful to be alive and hopes his story serves as a reminder of the dangers of extreme wind for truckers and travelers alike.

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