Chelan County, Washington – One Dead, One Injured in Crash at Swakane Canyon

Chelan County, Washington (April 20, 2020) – One person died and another was injured in a rollover crash that occurred at Swakane Canyon on Monday morning. According to the article from iFIBERONE News, an 18 year-old woman from East Wenatchee was ejected during the crash, and the car landed on top of her, resulting in her death. The other occupant in the vehicle, a 32 year-old woman from Des Moines, sustained minor injuries in the incident and was able to report the crash. Update: According to an update from 560 KPQ News Radio, the victim has been identified as Meghann Dodge, and the report confirmed she was the driver of the vehicle. Additionally, due to the crash, it was mentioned that the Des Moines woman was unable to perform CPR on her.

According to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report of the crash before 8 a.m. The involved vehicle was apparently slowly up a hill, but ended up rolling back onto the road. When the vehicle flipped, the the 18 year-old was ejected from the vehicle. The crash is under investigation, but deputies believe that the two were sightseeing in the area.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only time a vehicle accident has resulted in a fatality. In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal ad 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. This type of accident where the vehicle has landed on the side or top can be classified under rollover accident, a hazardous situation in which victims may get trapped inside the car. Sometimes, outside help is needed to safely get trapped occupants out of the car. This type of accident usually happens after trying to turn on high speeds. Cars that are more susceptible to rollover accidents are lighter cars with a high gravity center, though it should be noted any car can roll over given the circumstance. In a rollover crash, injuries that can be expected are broken wrists, whiplash among other neck-related injuries, as well as head and spinal injuries. Wearing a seat belt helps mitigate possible injuries in this particular type of incident, and also minimizes the chances of being flung from the vehicle when it flips over.

As always, we urge all drivers to practice caution while out on the streets. Be specially if the road is lacking sufficient illumination. It would also help to identify busy roads ad try to avoid being in their proximity to minimize any risk of a vehicle accident. Any mistake can lead to injuries and damage not only to your person, but on other people as well.

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