PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Seven people were taken to hospitals following a head-on crash between an SUV and a pickup truck on SR-503 Saturday evening, the Washington State Patrol said.
The “significant motor vehicle accident” happened around 8:30 p.m. near Lewis River Road and Little Kalama Road when a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, illegally trying to pass, slammed into a 2022 Dodge Ram 2500, authorities said.
Multiple Life Flight helicopters and ambulances rushed to the scene of the crash. Fire crews from Woodland Engine 29 also rushed to the scene to help. Two additional CCFR engines also were called “along with additional Life Flight and ground transport units” to handle the crash that involved 10 total people.
There were 6 people in the Mitsubishi: driver Derrell Heck, 42, and 41-year-old Vernisha Heck, plus 4 children aged 12, 12, 14 and 16. All 6 — who live in Tacoma — were rushed to various hospitals. Only 2 were confirmed to be wearing seatbelts, while 2 others were not. It’s unclear if the others were seat belted.
The Dodge Ram had 4 residents of Woodland inside: James Witt, 42, and 41-year-old April Witt, plus children aged 11 and 3. April Witt was taken to a hospital for treatment while the others were uninjured. All were wearing their seatbelts.
The severity of the injuries to the 7 people has not yet been disclosed by authorities.
Derrel Heck faces a vehicular assault charge. Investigators said drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.
KOIN 6 News will have more information as it is available.