A tragic incident occurred early this morning near Coupeville as a 15-year-old Oak Harbor girl lost her life in a high-speed collision. Washington State Patrol has stated that the teenager was driving a Dodge Charger on State Route 20 when, at approximately 3 a.m., she veered off the roadway and crashed into a pole near Libbey Road, the impact claiming her life instantly; she was the only person in the car at the time of the accident, according to a KIRO 7 report.
The aftermath of the crash led to both directions of SR 20 being closed for several hours between Madrona Way and Sherman Road, with law enforcement and emergency responders at the scene, and as of the latest updates, there's been no estimated time for the reopening of the road, emergency responders are investigating this incident, which has yet to see the highway clear, according to a post from WSDOT North.
UPDATE: Both directions of SR 20 in Coupeville between Madrona Way (MP 25) and Sherman Rd (MP 23) remain closed after a collision. Emergency responders are on scene.
— WSDOT North (@wsdot_north) December 2, 2024
There is no ETA for reopening. Seek alternate routes. https://t.co/0VYKCMAo5F pic.twitter.com/vNQytJOCvM
Further details disclosed by the KOMO News include that the girl was traveling at a high speed in the northbound lane when she lost control of the vehicle, crossed into the opposing lane, and subsequently struck the pole, which led to her tragic demise at the scene.
Investigation is ongoing into a tragedy that claimed a young life. Travelers are advised to seek alternate routes due to road closures affecting local traffic. The Washington State Patrol urges drivers to be cautious, especially in the early hours, and stay aware of road conditions as they work to determine the cause of the incident.
