A weekend drive on U.S. Highway 101 ended in tragedy Saturday afternoon when a vehicle lost control, crossed the center line and slammed into an oncoming car near milepost 118 in Grays Harbor County, according to state troopers. The crash was reported around 5:45 p.m., and the driver of the struck vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators with the Washington State Patrol identified the victim as 69-year-old William R. Carter of Grays Harbor County. Two other people were hurt in the collision. The southbound driver, who was injured, drove herself to Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma, and a passenger was flown to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, as reported by The Olympian. Troopers and emergency crews shut down the highway while they worked the crash scene.
Road Work Nearby And What Drivers Should Expect
Portions of U.S. 101 in Grays Harbor are currently part of a WSDOT paving project that includes the stretch near milepost 118. The agency has warned drivers to expect alternating traffic and delays. WSDOT notes crews began paving in late June and urges motorists to slow for work zones and changing road surfaces. The work is intended to preserve the highway and improve long-term safety, and officials say investigators will determine whether roadway conditions played any role in this crash.
Troopers Say Speed Was A Factor
In a State Patrol memo, investigators listed the preliminary cause as “speeds too fast for conditions” after a vehicle lost control and crossed the center line, according to The Olympian. The Washington State Patrol is continuing its investigation and has asked anyone with information to contact the agency.
Investigation And Safety Reminder
Troopers are asking witnesses or anyone with dash-cam video from the area to reach out to the Washington State Patrol. With active paving on the coastal route, authorities are reminding drivers to ease off the gas, adjust to conditions and give road crews plenty of space.
