Mattawa, Washington – One Person Dead, Three Hospitalized in Head-On Collision

Mattawa, Washington (August 1, 2019) – One person was killed and three others hospitalized in a head-on collision involving two cars at State Route 24 near Vernita Bridge on Thursday morning. A passenger in the causing vehicle died at the scene. The driver of the causing vehicle and the occupants of the other car were transported to Cadillac Hospital in Richland. There has been no word regarding their condition.

The accident happened around 5 a.m. on early Thursday morning. According to the initial investigation, the causing vehicle was being driven eastbound by an 18 year-old male. The driver passed several cars on the highway and attempted to pass two semi trucks on the two-lane highway. However, while doing this the driver collided head-on with another vehicle. In the crash, both vehicles burst into flame. Fortunately, bystanders aided the victims in getting away from their burning cars. The accident caused State Route 24 to be closed for most of Thursday morning.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion for the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, vehicle accidents are common and may happen more frequently than you think. In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal and 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. Of the types of car accidents, head-on collisions are considered the most dangerous due to the circumstances – two cars are heading towards each other, with a great amount of force being experienced by all parties when the impact happens. While only 2% of car accidents are head-on collisions, they account for more than 10% of car-accident related injuries. These injuries are quite dangerous as most of them are head, spine or neck-related, including spinal injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and whiplash.  Head-on collisions are also often fatal, and overall has a very high death rate compared to other types of collisions involving vehicles. Our sympathies to all those who have suffered in these vehicle accidents.

The best way to protect one’s self from a dangerous vehicle accident is to take steps to prevent it. We urge everyone to practice proper driving and to always be cautious while on the road. Be especially careful on late hours, especially if the road is lacking sufficient illumination. Any mistake can lead to injuries and damage not only to your person, but on other people as well.

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