Girl 6, Dies in Crash

Four people are recovering and one has been released from the hospital following a rollover accident in Gray County that claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl.

The accident happened around 2:30 Saturday afternoon, about 14 miles west of Cimarron on Highway 50.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says a GMC van was westbound on the highway when the right-rear tire blew, causing the driver to lose control. The van then rolled and came to rest in a ditch.

Esella Vasquez, 6, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Five others in the van suffered injuries.

Authorities say Vasquez, another 6-year-old girl, and a 3-year-old boy were not safely restrained.

The 3- and 6-year-old were flown to a Wichita hospital and are currently listed in fair condition. A 36-year-old woman was also flown to Wichita and is currently in serious condition.

The 42-year-old driver and a 17-year-old girl were taken to a hospital in Garden City for treatment. The driver was transferred to another hospital, and the 17-year-old has been released.

All are reportedly from Dodge City.