WASHTUCNA, WA – Five people were injured Wednesday evening in a collision on State Route 26, between Washtucna and Othello, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The crash occurred at 5:02 p.m. when a southbound vehicle on U.S. 395 stopped at the top of the off-ramp to SR 26 and then pulled onto the highway in front of a westbound vehicle. The westbound driver took evasive action to avoid the first vehicle, lost control, and entered the eastbound lane, where it was struck by a third vehicle that was traveling eastbound.
The westbound vehicle then hit a guardrail and sign before rolling down an embankment. The first vehicle, described only as a silver compact SUV, briefly stopped before leaving eastbound on SR 26 toward Washtucna.
Among the injured in the crash were three juveniles; a 3-year-old, a 6-year-old and a 10-year-old – all from Pullman. Also injured were Nelly Kereiyian, 32, of Pullman; and Timothy Oronge, 41, of Everett. All were transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.
Three other passengers were not injured.