Updated
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The Washington State Patrol is investigating a fatality collision a few miles east of Randle.
The wreck involved a compact car and a semi truck hauling a trailer, which was empty, according to the state patrol.
Lt. Shane Nelson said he believed it occurred around 11 a.m., but he is not the primary officer.
One lane of the roadway was still closed this afternoon on U.S. Highway 12 near Davis Creek Road, he said.
The truck driver, a male, was uninjured, according to Nelson.
The sole occupant of the car, 52-year-old Jay E. Sume of Randle, died at the scene, according to the Washington State Patrol.
According to the investigating trooper, Sume was heading eastbound and crossed the centerline; the oncoming 2010 Freightliner swerved to the right to avoid the car, but the car struck its trailer.
Sume’s 1993 Ford Escort was totaled.
The Freightliner had to be towed. It was driven by Michael J. Humphrey, 39, from Kelso, according to the state patrol.
The reason for the collision is unknown, and it’s unknown if any citations of charges may be filed.