[1]Members of Lewis County Fire Districts 5, 15, 2 and 8 along with Lewis County Medic One responded for five vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 12. / Courtesy photo by Alicia Pentecost
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Three vehicles were totaled in a multiple-vehicle rear-end chain reaction collision that sent seven people to the hospital this afternoon on U.S. Highway 12 about two miles east of Interstate 5.
Troopers called at 2:14 p.m. found that Jacob I. Hadaller, 29, of Mossyrock, was westbound approaching Jackson Highway where four pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles were stopped for the traffic light.
Hadaller’s 2006 Dodge Ram collided with the rear of a 2011 Dodge Dakota, pushing it into a 2016 Nissan Rogue SUV, which was shoved into a 1998 Ford Expedition SUV, which in turn ran into the back of a 2006 Ford Escape SUV, according to the Washington State Patrol
Firefighters and medics from Lewis County Fire District 5 responded, assisted by personnel from four other departments.
District 5 Lt. Laura Hanson indicated the seven patients were transported to Providence Centralia Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Hadaller was reportedly uninjured but cited for second-degree negligent driving, according to the state patrol.
The intersection is commonly known as Mary’s Corner.
The driver of the Dodge Dakota, Martin K. Fisher, 49, of Olympia was also uninjured, but three of his passengers were. They are ages 15, 15, and 51, all from Olympia.
The driver of the Nissan Rogue, Diane K. Wilkie, 61, Ilwaco, was hospitalized as was the driver of the Ford Expedition, William G. Dix, 32, Centralia, according to the state patrol. Dix’s passenger Amanda L. Ailes, 39, Salkum, was also injured.
General L. Cothren, 71, Winlock, was driving the Ford Escape and reportedly unhurt. His passenger, Gregg Robinson, 65, Winlock, was transported.
Only the Expedition and the Escape were able to be driven from the scene, the investigating trooper reports.
The incident was blamed on inattention.