Updated at 1:10 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Three men from Rochester and Centralia were killed this morning when a log truck and a Toyota pickup collided on U.S. Highway 12 in Ethel.
Aid and troopers were called just before 6:30 a.m. to the scene near Larmon Road, according to responders.
The log truck was not loaded, but it caught fire, according to Lewis County Fire District 5.
The men, whose names have not been released, are ages 49, 44, and 46, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The 1992 Toyota was traveling east on U.S. Highway 12 when the driver lost control on some ice and crossed the centerline, according to the state patrol. It was broadsided by the westbound Kenworth, according to the patrol.
The Toyota came to rest on the south side of the highway; the log truck on the north, according to the patrol.
The men died at the scene, according to the investigating trooper.
The log truck driver, James K. Chenoweth, 35, of Glenoma, was reportedly uninjured.
The identities of the victims won’t be released until their next-of-kin have been notified.
Icy roads contributed to numerous other minor collisions this morning in that area around Highway 12 and Interstate 5, according to Trooper Ryan Tanner. Fire Lt. Laura Hanson said crews noted about 20 accidents in the area.
Larmon Road is about three miles east of Interstate 5, Tanner said.
The Toyota was described as totaled. The Kenworth sustained an estimated $10,000 damage.
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Correction: This has been updated to reflect the three men were all in the Toyota as the fire department reported; not two in the Toyota and one of the victims in the log truck as the state patrol mistakenly reported.
Correction: The amount of damage to the log truck has been corrected, as it was erroneously noted as much lower.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
One of this three men was my father and two were my uncles. I don’t understand why people must say something when they have no idea. This was an ACCIDENT I don’t blame no one for this. They hit an icy road and there isn’t anything anybody could have done. Please stop blaming everybody, just cause u think u know something doesn’t mean your right. Only god knows what happen and why… It doesn’t mater if your a truck driver or a person that dries a damn bike everybody is different ad this just turned into judgment…
You are all so disrespectful these 3men were my uncles and you come and fight over semi drivers who cares who’s fault it is the point is there gone and they left behind there families so many devistated so why don’t you show some respect and not leave comments about who’s at fault and if you don’t care about this story don’t evven read about it
Jessi that’s what insurance is for don’t make more out of the equiptment than it is & as a truckers wife you should know first handed what you see isn’t always how it is.. Was it just an accident? Could be or was he even to be trucking down that road at that time under those conditions? That’s why we have CDL’s we are trained to always watch & plan for what might happen especially in bad weather & around traffic.. My heart goes out to all involved but mostly to my family who has lost what insurance won’t fix.. Take this how you want but im just reminding you of the truth in truck driving…
Melissa I am also related on the Bustos side so tragic.. Crysta I’ve been a long haul trucker for 18 years your comments are uncalled for and also as a “truckers friend” let’s hope when this goes to civil litigation all his T’s were crossed on his log book, safety records, witness & family statements show he WAS suppose to be on that road at that exact time… Just because an accident looks a certain way doesn’t mean it was to end that way…
Trucks Always Are In Such A hurry, To take the next Load, I Think truck drivers should be more precatious to smaller cars, they drive big trucks and the hispanics hit ice, it was not the hispanics fault, it is mother nature, the trucks Dont ever pay attention anyways these comments are retarted.
:,( sad how people argue while my family morns… May god protect your families and you guys can cherish every moment together
thanx alot nd well watch all of that were saying shit about that u will regret it when something that will happen to ur familly like what happen to my family…. nd thanx alot bustybabe!!!
Busty, that was well put. This is a note to EVERYONE to be especially careful on those days when it is cold and wet, as “black ice” can and WILL get you.
My prayers for ALL the parties concerned.
Melissa,my prayers go out to u and ur family ,i know this doesnt help yet but GOD has 3 more angels with him by his side, And i want to apoloigize for these morons who are inconsiderate and rude towards you, now im goin in caps ,WHO THE HELL ARE ANY OF YOU TO BLAME ANYONE OR EVEN SUGGESTING ITS THE TRUCK DRIVERS FAULT OR IT WAS THE OTHERS FAULT? THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY ICE ON THE ROAD,,, NOW QUIT BEING RUDE AND SHOW SOME RESPECT,
nd just cause ur family work on that doesnt mean ur family isntgoing to do that once…when reallly some happens they u will feel ur how we really feel right now!!!!!!
well those three men that dies were my uncles nd crystal if u was u i wont be saying things because you dont know what real happend nd what ever they put on here thats what the truck driver said…nd not alll truck drivers are not the same…
The 3 men were related! A family just lost 3 amazing men. One of the wives is my best friend, her husband had 5 children. The other 2 men had wives and children as well.
In order to help the famiy with burial costs, another friend and I set up a memorial account at Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU). Donations can be made at any branch location to the Elvis Garcia Memorial Fund.
My heart goes out the truck driver and his family….. this was no ones fault! It truely was an accident……
I live on hiway 12, so I see plenty of crazy stupid driving, and I know the log truck driver, my husband worked for the same company until about 4 months ago, and I drove by the wreck shortly after it happened. It was clear by seeing the wreck that not only was the truck driver NOT at fault, but he should be considered a HERO for his valiant attempt to minimize damage to others by driving his truck down a very steep embankment. He risked his own life, not to mention a very valuable piece of equipment, while trying to save the lives of others. People need to realize that log truck drivers are driving about 12 hours a day, and driving a vehicle much bigger and more unforgiving than regular vehicles. That makes for a pretty skilled driver, probably a little more skilled than you are Leslie. The fact that you were going 75 to “keep up” indicates that you were in a hurry as well. Are you one of those people who like to pull out in front of a log truck or a pickup pulling a trailer just because you think they are going to slow you down? If so then you are the reason that my husband no longer drives a log truck. It became too dangerous because of other driver’s stupidity, so he went back to cutting timber. Can you see the irony? For those of you who can’t, cutting timber is the second most dangerous job in America, second only to deep sea fishing in Alaska. But it’s safer than being out on the road with a bunch of idiots who feel the need to cut off a huge, heavy vehicle and then have to drive 75 to “keep up”. think about that the next time you jump out in front of a log truck.
Thoughts and prayers for all the families involved.
We all should just quit arguing and agree to disagree, we all have other opinions but 3 families have been torn apart and one family to live with the horrific details of the day.
All of what you are arguing about is and should be left to the investigators.
No matter what happened I am sure that we can show some human compassion and send our condolences to all of the families.
Again my condolences to the all of the families involved.
Hey cassie, practice what you preach and keep YOUR stupid comments to yourself. I do believe Crystal was defending the truck driver because he was NOT AT FAULT. I don’t think you realize how ignorant you sound. Instead of being rude, why don’t you say a prayer for the family.
Cassie I do have respect. Long hall truck drivers are way different than a local truck driver, there the ones speeding all the time and running people off the road, i’vr seen it first hand. And If you don’t like what I said or what i have to say then maybe you shouldn’t comment and keep your stupid mouth shut as well. And in this case he wasn’t speeding, ect….And I will alway’s defend a truck driver no matter what you or anyone else has to say about it. People need to stop the blame game. And I am also sorry for the people that lost there lives, as I am sorry for the truck driver.
to crysta, i also come from a family of truck drivers and i knew the family that was in the toyota truck, ive been on long hall trips many of times enough to know truck drivers think they own the road and they speed almost always and they get pissed when someone cuts them off or passes them ect….and also i lived most of my life in morton so i know how the road conditions are so why dont u just keep ur stupid comments to yourself and let this family mourn! and quit defending the truck driver bcuz your husband or fathers is probably one!….and as for me i do not blame anyone as you should not have some respect!
I drove past the wreck shortly after the police arrived. The aftermath was evidence enough as to what happened. The roadway surface was very icy and the hill that the pickup was descending was particularly bad. It would have been very difficult to stop had there not been advanced warning signs placed by the sheriff’s deputies. Let’s all avoid the unjust finger-pointing, or broad accusations regarding the driving habits of truck drivers, and remember that everything we wear, eat, play with or use in our daily lives is delivered by several drivers who must deal with so many discourteous and inattentive drivers who constantly make their job more challenging and dangerous. Be kind and pray for those affected by this tragedy.
this is for every person who is trying to blame the truck driver. read the artical know your facts befor posting. my thoughts and prayrs go out to ALL the fameilys of yesterdays horifc wreck. back to my first thing the truck driver was in his lane the outher car lost control of his truck crossing the center line the driver of the toyota is at falt not the log truck. if i am on a road and you decide to pull out in front of me and i can not stop thats not my falt thats yours. same thing with the truck driver there was nothing he could do. some driver of trucks speed moust do not you can not pasjugment on truck driver. what about road condition’s? what we all should be doing is praying for and thinking for the fameilys of all involved
This goes out to the people that pass judgement on truck drivers the horrific accident that happened yesterday not only claimed the lives of three men but changed another forever. To the families my prayers go out to you. To the ignorant people that think that truck drivers are the to blame for everything you need to stop and think about a few things. I drive hiway twelve everyday and see all kinds of people putting others in danger. I see people that think a truck can stop on a dime and others that just need to get infront of that big truck. I see this everyday cause I am also a truck driver. The way I see it you people should go for a ride with us and see what we go thru then you might not be so quick to continue driving the way you do. The driver of the log truck is a close friend of mine and now he will live a changed life forever. To the guy who thinks all drivers disable the govenors on they trucks you need to think twice befor you speak. Drivers increase horsepower and speed not to be in total control but to be able to get up a hill a little faster or atleast go the speed limit. I dont speak for all the truck drivers cause there are those rotten apples that give us drivers that obey the laws a bad name. If you have ever been thru a d.o.t inspection you would know that certain things you cant get away with. So in closing I ask everyone to pray for all the families involved not only the dead but the living and next time your behind a big truck or think you can pull out infront of one and save a minute dont its not worth your life my life or the life of someone else
This goes out to the people that pass judgement on truck drivers the horrific accident that happened yesterday not only claimed the lives of three men but changed another forever. To the families my prayers go out to you. To the ignorant people that think that truck drivers are the to blame for everything you need to stop and think about a few things. I drive hiway twelve everyday and see all kinds of people putting others in danger. I see people that think a truck can stop on a dime and others that just need to get infront of that big truck. I see this everyday cause I am also a truck driver. The way I see it you people should go for a ride with us and see what we go thru then you might not be so quick to continue driving the way you do. The driver of the log truck is a close friend of mine and now he will live a changed life forever. To thinks all drivers disable the govenors on they trucks you need to think twice befor you speak. Drivers increase horsepower and speed not to be in total control but to be able to get up a hill a little faster or atleast go the speed limit. I dont speak for all the truck drivers cause there are those rotten apples that give us drivers that obey the laws a bad name. If you have ever been thru a d.o.t inspection you would know that certain things you cant get away with. So in closing I ask everyone to pray for all the families involved not only the dead but the living and next time your behind a big truck or think you can pull out infront of one and save a minute dont its not worth your life my life or the life of someone else
I agree with EMT. I was think the same thing three men died..I feel for the family that has lost them.
Thank you “emt” . I cannot believe the disrespect for human life…people just have to argue,and give their two cents about everything! What we all should be doing is having respect for the dead,and praying for their families and friends!
Thank you, EMT.
OMG, REALLY… Three men have lost there lives and you guys are going to do this. Not only have three died there is another that now will live with this forever. Why dont you all just stop and think about what hs been lost and he people’s lifes that will forever be changed…
and I only tried to catch to see how fast they were going. I didnt keep up.. it ok.. hang me from a tree.. I didnt place blame on anyone, just stated what I went through .. sorry to piss people off.. I see enough people in cars act like dweebs too.. no one wants to be behind a school bus so they dont stop at stop signs, and jump in front of us too and they pass on double yellow lines and they run flashing red lights.. so I know all about stuff like that.. guess i should have been more specific in my first post.. wasnt pointing fingers.. and it dont matter how fast your going.. even slower can still cause fatalities.. toyota vs big rig.. not much chance.. , im sorry people.
Crystal, you jumped to conclusions in this case simply because you know the driver of the log truck personally. Yippee. You instantly made assumptions of his innocence and the mechanical workings of his truck. You’re the expert on this subject, apparently.
All I said was FACTS. Yes, trucks like that come with speed limiters… which is something that most drivers will disable almost right away. Especially on their own vehicles. It’s a simple matter of them wanting to be in complete control over their rigs, rather than have some mechanical gizmo that might end up causing more trouble than what it is worth. Try installing one of those on your personal car, and see how well YOU like being limited to a certain top speed, when sometimes having that extra room might be beneficial… it could even save your life!
Now, does removing or disabling those speed limiters make the driver instantly go out there and drive like a lunatic? Of course not. But plenty of truck drivers DO drive like lunatics… same with drivers of cars and motorcycles. You get people in a rush, or the people with the “I have to get there first” attitude, and it’s a recipe for trouble.
Was the truck driver in this case driving like a lunatic? As it turns out, no he was not. He might have been speeding a little on that stretch of road (almost everyone does, including myself… and I’m on that stretch of road almost on a daily basis). It was road conditions, pure and simple. It was very cold and wet this morning, conditions that lead to a phenomenon known as “black ice”… it will get you almost every time if you aren’t looking out for it (it’s gotten me before, too).
So instead of being a callous individual and jumping to conclusions to defend your friend (the truck driver), why not have some sympathy for the friends and families of those who were killed in this tragic accident? Thankfully, your friend, the driver of the truck, was not hurt, but three other people had their lives ended in this horrid event. My condolences to ALL the parties involved.
And for others, please, slow down. Nothing is worth risking your life, or the lives of others, on the roads. And be aware of road conditions… it IS getting to be winter.
whoops.. I wasnt laying blame on anyone.. Im sorry I didnt mean it that way.. was just saying what I went through.. sorry.. sheesh.. if thats how it sounded, i didnt mean it that way..
I know you werent crystal. I was talking bout the other post.
Also this truck was not loaded he was empty. And cars speed everyday too. Just gonna have to wait and see what the police report says. Either way it’s a tragic thing. I also wasn’t passing judgment. But don’t point the finger at the trucker either just because.
I do know the facts…..i also know the driver personally. And have you ever taken a govener off a semi. Ya probly not. I know for a fact this truck has a govener on it. He can’t drive over 60. And all I said was that people need to stop pointing the finger at log truck drivers everytime theres an accident. It’s b.s. And im sure you know truck drivers so well don’t you? Anyway’s my opinion is he wasn’t at fault and the roads were icy and he wasn’t speeding.
Dont speculate before you know details.
Crystal, almost every truck driver will find a way to remove or bypass those governors on their engines, and it is well known that they will speed. Especially the log truck drivers, and even more so when they are getting paid by the load. So, you can’t say for certain that this driver wasn’t speeding. Likewise, you can’t say that he WAS speeding, either. Unless you know facts that nobody else knows, Crystal, let’s wait for the investigation to be completed, huh?
Leslie, if you have these trucks passing you doing 75 in a 55, then I would suggest to you that you let them do so, and continue driving your 55. Granted, I would probably be doing 60, but I sure as heck wouldn’t be going no 75 in a 55… especially on icy roads. That would just be an invitation for disaster.
In THIS particular case, it is a tragic even that three people have lost their lives, regardless of what the causes were. Was one or both of the drivers speeding? Was one or both of the drivers not paying attention? Did weather or road conditions have a part to play in this tragedy? Let’s wait to find out what the investigation says before we pass judgement, ok?
And one more thing to your comment….if those trucks were speeding, then why would you be doing 20 miles over the speed limit just to keep up, not smart. You can’t blame truckers for speeding if your doing it yourself. Also, most trucks have something called a govener on them. Therefore they can’t go over 60 or 65mph. Not sayen all truck drivers don’t speed ect, but this one wasn’t.
This is a tragic event but don’t blame the log truck driver before learning all the facts, which we don’t know yet. I agree with Crystal.
This truck driver was not speeding. Im so sick of people always blaming the truck drivers. I come from a family of people who drive truck, and people constintly pull oit infront of log trucks all the time. Peole need to not be so quick to judge a truck driver.
this is so sad… I drove to pe ell early morning, and three log trucks past me, I had to do 75 just to keep up. and the spped limits 55. , and then they past each other so you can bet they were going faster then that.scary scary scary