Franklin Connection - Serving Franklin County, WA

PASCO — A local truck driver was charged with second-degree negligent driving after allegedly causing a crash on westbound Interstate 182 on Saturday afternoon.

Jose G. Chavez, 50, was westbound in his Peterbilt truck at about 3:15 p.m. when he switched lanes and struck a second vehicle driven by Hai D. Khuong, 51, of Pasco, the Washington State Patrol said.

Khuong was driving a 2005 Toyota Camry, the patrol said. He was injured in the collision and transported to a local medical center.

His passenger, Krystal M. Truong, 39, of Pasco, was not injured, the patrol said. Chavez, too, escaped injury.

The patrol determined the cause of the crash was an improper lane change; neither alcohol nor drugs were factors. And both drivers and the passenger were wearing seatbelts.

Chavez was charged with second-degree negligent driving, the patrol said.