ORCHARDS, Wash. (KATU) — A three-vehicle crash in the Orchards area sent one driver to the hospital Friday evening, and deputies said the driver of a pickup showed signs of impairment.
The collision was reported May 1 at about 6:01 p.m. at the intersection of Northeast 99th Street and Northeast 130th Avenue. Multiple 911 callers reported the crash, and Clark County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and Vancouver Fire Engine 11 arrived within three minutes.
At the scene, deputies found a black Dodge Ram pickup that had come to rest on top of a gray Tesla Model 3 sedan. A white Ford Econoline van was also involved and was blocking the westbound lane of Northeast 99th Street about 60 feet from the other vehicles.
Clark Co. Sheriff’s Office photos
Preliminary information indicates the Dodge Ram was traveling westbound on Northeast 99th Street and entered the intersection against a red light. The Ford Econoline was traveling southbound through the intersection on a green light when the front of the Dodge Ram struck the driver’s side of the van, according to investigators.
After that impact, the Dodge Ram continued west, sliding broadside into the eastbound lane of Northeast 99th Street and colliding with the Tesla Model 3, which was stopped for the traffic signal at Northeast 130th Avenue.
Deputies said the driver of the Dodge Ram displayed observable signs of impairment, and a DUI investigation was conducted. The driver of the Ford Econoline sustained injuries and was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. The driver of the Tesla was not physically injured.
Clark Co. Sheriff’s Office photos
The Traffic Homicide Unit responded, and the roadway was closed for about five hours while investigators examined the scene.
Traffic detectives said they believe there may be additional witnesses who observed the Dodge Ram’s driving behavior prior to the collision.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Traffic Homicide Unit at trafficdetectives@clark.wa.gov and reference case 26003182. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information was available by Clark Co. Sheriff’s Office.