KENNEWICK, WA — Three Washington State Department of Transportation employees were injured Wednesday morning after a pickup truck crossed into an active work zone along State Route 395, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The crash occurred around 10:17 a.m. Dec. 10 near Yelm Street in Kennewick. A red Dodge Dakota was traveling northbound on SR 395 when it struck a concrete median barrier, crossed into the southbound lanes, and continued onto the southbound shoulder where WSDOT crews were working, according to the WSP.
Three WSDOT employees working on the southbound shoulder were struck. The workers and the driver of the pickup were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately released.
According to investigators, the driver of the Dodge Dakota reportedly suffered a medical event while driving. While crashes of this nature are uncommon, officials said they can happen without warning. Detectives are seeking additional witnesses who may have observed the collision.
In response to the incident, the Washington State Patrol is reminding drivers to use extra caution when approaching work zones and emergency scenes.
State patrol officials emphasized that drivers are required to move over or slow down when approaching vehicles displaying emergency lights, including tow trucks, WSDOT vehicles, and city utility vehicles. Drivers are also urged to reduce speed in posted work zones, avoid following too closely, obey flaggers and traffic control signs, and limit distractions such as phone use.
“Our goal is to keep everyone safe,” WSP officials said in a statement, adding that all motorists play a role in protecting roadway workers.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact the Washington State Patrol.
