VOLTAGE, Wash. (AP) – A tragic accident occurred on a two-lane highway in central Washington state, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to seven others. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon on Highway 28, located east of Wenatchee. The Washington State Patrol reported that a Toyota Camry, traveling west, collided with an oncoming Northwestern Stage Lines charter bus while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
The crash claimed the life of a 66-year-old bus driver from Spokane, along with a 17-year-old female driver and a 17-year-old male passenger from East Wenatchee. Additionally, a passenger on the charter bus succumbed to injuries at a local hospital shortly after the incident. The state patrol indicated that those injured in the crash ranged in age from 24 to 71, and they were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In a further detail of the accident, it was reported that the car, while trying to execute the risky maneuver of passing another vehicle, also collided with that car, resulting in damage. Fortunately, no occupants within the additional vehicle sustained injuries. Jacob Price, the owner of the Spokane-based bus company operating the charter, shed light on the crash dynamics, stating it occurred during a regularly scheduled route between Seattle and Spokane with approximately 20 passengers on board the bus.
Price described the circumstances leading to the crash, attributing it to the actions of a driver who attempted to pass another vehicle while driving at what he termed "excessive speed." He expressed the company’s commitment to cooperating fully with the Washington State Patrol and the state Department of Transportation to investigate the incident further. Price paid tribute to the bus driver, noting the individual’s talent and dedication, highlighting the profound loss experienced by the company and those affected.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet released the names of those tragically killed in the accident. The events of this day serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with reckless driving behaviors on busy highways, particularly when navigating two-lane roads. The community grapples with the implications of this devastating accident, as families mourn their losses and injured passengers receive medical attention.
While details are still emerging regarding the crash, it stands as a significant incident on Washington's highways, prompting discussions about road safety and driver accountability during challenging driving conditions. The impact of this accident extends beyond the immediate loss of life, affecting families, friends, and the greater community, underscoring the importance of safe driving practices.
