VOLTAGE, Wash. (AP) — In a tragic accident on Sunday afternoon, four individuals lost their lives, and seven others sustained injuries when a motorist attempted to overtake another vehicle on a two-lane highway in central Washington state. The incident occurred on Highway 28, located east of Wenatchee, and involved a Toyota Camry and a Northwestern Stage Lines charter bus.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the Toyota Camry was traveling west when it collided with the oncoming charter bus. Among the deceased was a 66-year-old male bus driver from Spokane, along with two 17-year-old occupants from East Wenatchee—a female driver and a male passenger. Furthermore, a bus passenger died later at a hospital due to the injuries sustained in the crash.

The impact of the collision was severe, with seven additional individuals, aged between 24 and 71, injured and subsequently transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. Fortunately, the car that the Toyota was attempting to pass sustained damage but did not have any occupants injured in the incident.

Jacob Price, the owner of the Spokane-based bus company, reported that the crash occurred during a scheduled route between Seattle and Spokane, where approximately 20 passengers were aboard the bus at the time of the collision. Price emphasized that the accident was precipitated by a driver attempting to overtake another vehicle while driving at "excessive speed." He added that the company is currently collaborating with state troopers and the Washington State Department of Transportation to gather more information regarding the events leading up to the crash.

In his heartfelt remarks, Price expressed sorrow over the loss of their skilled and dedicated driver, highlighting the devastating impact this tragedy has had on the company and the victims' families. The names of those who tragically lost their lives have not been publicly disclosed yet.

This incident underscores the risks associated with high-speed driving and the necessity for adherence to traffic regulations, particularly on two-lane highways where visibility and road conditions can significantly affect driver safety. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the specific circumstances surrounding the crash, and local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution while taking to the roads.