A tragic car accident in Cowlitz County resulted in the death of one man and injuries to three children on Sunday morning. According to KOIN, the crash occurred just before 11:00 A.M. at the intersection of North Pacific Avenue and Ostrander Avenue. Officials from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue revealed the vehicle went down an embankment approximately 50 feet off the road, leaving behind scattered rocks and debris.
Inside the vehicle were three young passengers, ages 2, 7, and 9. The oldest child managed to exit the vehicle and signaled for help from a passing driver who subsequently contacted emergency services. In the aftermath of the incident, the man driving the car succumbed to his injuries, while one child is reported to be in critical condition. The two other children have suffered minor injuries and their current states are considered stable.
Rescue efforts for the passengers were intense, with crews having to use hydraulic tools to free two individuals from the wreckage. Oregon Live reported the car had to be extricated after it was found 15 feet down an embankment. The 9-year-old child was seriously injured and flown to a Portland hospital, while the younger children were transported to a hospital in Longview for treatment of their minor injuries.
The cause of the crash has not yet been disclosed. As noted by KPTV, officials have not commented on how the children were related to the deceased man. The investigation into this incident continues and details will be shared with the public as they become available.
