KING COUNTY, WA — A 39-year-old Lakewood man died Tuesday night after a multi-vehicle accident on State Route 18 near Auburn’s Lea Hill area, according to Washington State Patrol.
The crash occurred on a span of the highway near Southeast 304th Street and was first reported shortly before 5:30 p.m.
A preliminary investigation indicates the man was driving a black Toyota Scion against traffic in the eastbound lanes when he hit the front left of a eastbound Toyota Tundra pickup truck driven by a 54-year-old man.
After the initial collision, the driver of the pickup truck pulled over to the shoulder and called authorities while the wrong-way driver continued west in the eastbound lanes, where it collided with another vehicle. The impact of the second crash sent the Scion into a nearby ditch, and the third vehicle came to rest in the roadway.
WSP confirmed the causing driver died from their injuries.
The two other drivers both suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. Their condition remains undisclosed.
The event forced a lane in each direction to shut down for an extended period, but was reopened by 9:00 p.m.
Have you been hurt in a recent car accident due to the actions of another driver? You may be entitled to compensation for the personal and financial losses suffered. The Seattle personal injury attorneys at Dubin Law Group are experienced in helping people in the area claim the money they deserve after a traumatic event. Reach out at 425-800-8000 or online to schedule a free consultation.