The light blue Mazda pickup and yellow Jeep rest on state Route 6 near Adna. / Courtesy photo by Washington State Patrol
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The cause of the collision on state Route 6 yesterday remains under investigation but the Washington State Patrol reports the pickup truck carrying two individuals who died was T-boned in its passenger side by the Jeep Wrangler.
Both vehicles had been traveling in opposite directions, about two miles west of Chehalis, according to the state patrol.
Firefighters from Chehalis and Lewis County Fire District 6 responding to the approximately 4:50 p.m. call near Highway 603 found the man and woman deceased and the driver – and sole occupant – of the Jeep in serious condition, according to authorities.
Glennon G. Stinson, 69, from Rochester, was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital.
The state patrol identifies the driver of the 1989 Mazda B2200 pickup as Joseph A. Schwartz, 23, of Pe Ell. His passenger was Katharina M. McKenna, 27, from Chehalis.
The investigating trooper describes the incident as Schwartz traveling eastbound and for whatever reason, he lost control of his truck and slid across the centerline into the westbound lane. The front of the westbound Jeep struck the passenger side of his truck, according to the state patrol.
The roadway was closed for nearly four hours, according to Trooper Will Finn.
All three individuals had been wearing seat belts, according to the state patrol.
It’s unknown if drugs or alcohol were involved, according to the initial information. No charges are expected.
Both vehicles were totaled, towed and impounded.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
RIP Joe and Katie… You will be missed… My thoughts and prayers to you, your family and friends… God Bless Mr Stinson… My prayers for you and for family too… Such a sad sad time for all of the families and friends…