Two Dead in Fatal Collision with Washington State Patrol Vehicle
MASON COUNTY, Wash. –
Two lives tragically cut short in a devastating accident involving a collision with a Washington State Patrol vehicle, en route to an emergency. The incident took place in Mason County at approximately 2:37 p.m. on Highway 101 and Lynch Rd in Shelton, according to the authorities.
The collision resulted in the unfortunate demise of both occupants of the other vehicle. The Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed that the two individuals, a man and a woman believed to be in their 60s, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Swift Response and Minimal Injuries
Despite the gravity of the collision, the involved State Trooper escaped life-threatening harm. The trooper sustained minor injuries and was dispatched to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the incident, and there were no other reported injuries, ensuring that the scope of the tragedy was contained.
A Startled Community Reacts
The accident left an indelible impact on those in the vicinity. Witnesses described the collision as a thunderous bang that sent shock waves reverberating through the area.
“All of a sudden I just heard a loud, like a loud bang. It was the loudest I’ve heard anywhere, really,” recalled Shane Van Wormer, a nearby worker.
Van Wormer further recounted the scene, highlighting the initial struggle to free the trapped trooper. After the crash, it appeared that the trooper had difficulty exiting the vehicle, prompting a passing individual to lend a helping hand.
Investigation Ongoing
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. Law enforcement suspects that the incident occurred as the trooper, traveling south on Highway 101, collided with the other vehicle, potentially attempting to merge onto the highway or cross it entirely.
“We’re not sure if they were trying to cross into traffic, or they were just merging onto the highway because it’s an intersection where you can cross all the way to the other side of the highway there,” mentioned MCSO Deputy Matt Colbenson. “It’s unknown at this time,” he added.
The crash site, marked by the collision, is known to be prone to accidents. The MCSO identifies the area as one of the locations with a higher collision rate.
Restoring Normalcy
Authorities took the necessary steps to attend to the incident promptly, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the affected and minimizing disruption. After hours of investigation, traffic on Highway 101 has now been fully restored, allowing the local community to move forward.
