‘Multiple fatalities, serious injuries’ in crash on US 101 near Shelton

SHELTON, Wash. — A crash involving “multiple fatalities and serious injuries” blocked US 101 near Shelton on Wednesday, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The crash happened at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The crash involved a dump truck and two passenger vehicles on US 101 near Wallace Boulevard. Both directions of the highway were blocked for more than 6 hours.

The driver of a Mazda heading south crossed the center line and hit the driver’s side door of a dump truck heading north. The dump truck spun, tipped over onto its passenger side, and hit a Toyota heading southbound, according to a report from WSP.

The driver of the Mazda, a 66-year-old Shelton man, was believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Charges are pending.

That man’s passenger, a 69-year-old woman, was not hurt.

The driver of the dump truck — a 58-year-old Olympia man — and the driver of the Toyota — a 66-year-old Shelton woman — died at the scene.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic incident,” Trooper Katherine Weatherwax said in a tweet.

Video from Chopper 7 showed a mangled dump truck and an SUV at the scene. The front ends of both vehicles were reduced to crumpled metal.

Numerous vehicles lined the highway, including two fire trucks and a large tow truck.

WSP announced that the highway had reopened with a lane shift for a tow truck at 2:15 p.m.

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