By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Washington State Patrol is seeking assistance from anyone who may have witnessed the fatal crash late Sunday night on Interstate 5 just north of Centralia or who observed the Subaru’s driving prior to the collision.
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“The Subaru was likely experiencing some mechanical problems and may have been traveling at slow speeds when struck by the tractor-trailer,” Lt. Randy Hullinger stated in a press release today.
It happened about 11:46 p.m. in the northbound lanes, near milepost 86, approaching the Southwest 216th Avenue overpass in south Thurston County.
The vehicles were a gray 1993 Subaru Legacy and a 2017 Peterbilt with double trailer.
The driver of the Subaru, Edward P. Chambers, 80, of Beaverton, Oregon died, according to the state patrol. His 19-year-old passenger, Scott R. Anderson, of Hillsboro, Oregon, reportedly sustained minor injuries.
They were traveling from Oregon and headed to Rochester, according to Hullinger.
The driver of the semi, 36-year-old Michael L. Buterbaugh of Yelm was unhurt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detective Jim Meldrum at 253-538-3174 or James.Meldrum@wsp.wa.gov
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For background, read “News brief: Fatal wreck on I-5 north of Centralia under investigation” from Monday July 3, 2017, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter