WSP investigates deadly crash involving wrong-way DUI driver in Thurston County
THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. - The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is investigating a crash that killed a 31-year-old woman and a 2-year-old boy in the Tumwater area Friday night. An 8-year-old girl is recovering in a nearby hospital.
According to the WSP, a 27-year-old Shelton man was arrested for DUI as a result of this crash. It was initially reported that he was traveling in the correct direction, but after further investigation, it was determined that he was driving the wrong way.
Investigators say the crash happened at around 10:45 p.m. on southbound I-5 just north of SR-101.
According to the WSP, the victim, a 31-year-old Chehalis woman, was driving a sedan with an 8-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy in the back seat. The WSP says she was driving southbound on I-5 in the southbound lanes.
The DUI driver was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes and crashed into the victims head-on.
Washington State Patrol
The 31-year-old and her 2-year-old passenger died. The 8-year-old passenger was taken to a nearby hospital and was reportedly in critical condition.
The WSP says the DUI driver was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
Southbound I-5 was closed at SR-101 for the investigation. It has since reopened.
This is a developing story as the investigation remains ongoing.