Woman facing charges in crash that blocked Vernita Bridge

VERNITA — A Yakima woman was airlifted to a Tri-Cities regional hospital following a head-on crash that blocked Vernita Bridge on Monday, Oct. 5.

Amber M. Greene, 35, was flown to the hospital after 8:30 a.m. crash, the Washington State Patrol said, noting she is facing related charges Alcohol and drugs are believed to be factors.

According to the patrol, Greene was eastbound in her on the bridge (state Highway 24), when she crossed the centerline and struck a tractor-trailer head-on.

The driver of the Peterbilt truck and 1972 trailer, Carlos-Cruz R. De La O, 54, of Mattawa, was not injured, the patrol said.

Charges are pending against Greene for driving while under the influence and felony drug possession, the patrol said.

Helberg Towing removed Greene's vehicle from the crash scene.