Collision sends two Plateau residents to Harborview

By Jessica Keller, The Courier-Herald

Two Plateau residents were critically injured, and one other person was hurt, as two cars met in a head-on collision Friday.

A 30-year-old Burnett woman and a 56-year-old Buckley man were both airlifted to Harborview Medical Center with critical injuries. Another passenger, a 51-year-old Buckley man, was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The collision occurred at about 3:30 p.m. Friday on state Route 165 and 128th Street outside of Buckley, before the state Route 162/165 junction.

A Chevy Camaro, driven by the woman, was traveling north on state Route 165, when her vehicle entered a left curve but failed to straighten out with the roadway and crossed the center line, hitting a Chrysler van going southbound, driven by the Buckley man.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Darin Latimer, who was on duty and driving behind the van, managed to avoid the accident and was first on scene.

Fire District 12 was the first unit to respond, with East Pierce and Fire District 20 also responding.

Washington State Patrol Sgt. Bob Kerwin said Friday, although it was early in the investigation, he said he didn't think speed played a part in the accident.

"We'd see more damage if speed was a factor," he said.

According to a Washington State Patrol press release, investigators found several medications in the Camaro prescribed to the driver, which may have impaired her ability to drive.

The investigation is ongoing and charges had not been filed as of Friday.

Jessica Keller can be reached at jkeller@courierherald.com