By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Three people were hurt when an unloaded log truck struck the rear-end of a Toyota 4runner and then rolled striking another vehicle and nearly hitting a flagger on U.S. Highway 12 near Salkum today.
It happened in a construction zone where the westbound Toyota 4Runner and a Toyota RAV4 were stopped by a flagger for a lane closure, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The 2004 Kenworth truck and trailer was also westbound and was unable to stop in time, according to the state patrol. Troopers called just after noon today to milepost 79 report the log truck came to rest blocking the roadway in both directions.
Its driver, Kelly G. Moerke, 47, from Chehalis, was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital.
Also taken to the hospital were the other two drivers, Josee M. Naillon, 25, of Onalaska, and Cristen L. Boling, 37, of Silver Creek, according to the patrol. A 5-year-old girl riding in Boling’s RAV4 was reportedly uninjured.
The log truck and the Toyota RAV4 were both described as totaled.
The wreck is blamed on speeds too fast, following too closely and inattention, according to the investigating trooper.
The state patrol listed charges for Moerke of second-degree negligent driving and reckless endangerment of a highway worker.