Crash sends four to hospital

CONNELL — A multiple-vehicle collision involving three tractor-trailers sent several people to the hospital Wednesday evening, Oct. 21.

Stephan W. Meuchel, 44, of Longview, was charged with second-degree negligent driving after his northbound 2018 semi left the roadway near Milepost 63, about 8 miles north of the city in rural Adams County, the Washington State Patrol said.

The crash occurred about 7 p.m.

Meuchel allegedly overcorrected and slid broadside before his truck came to rest on its top on the northbound right shoulder, the patrol said.

He was not wearing a seatbelt and was injured, the patrol said, noting he was transported to a Ritzville hospital.

A 2018 tractor-trailer driven by Terry J. Fullerton, 75, of Kennewick, struck and drove through the trailer of Meuchel's vehicle, according to officials. Fullerton was injured, but not transported for medical care.

Fullerton was wearing his seatbelt, the patrol said.

A third tractor-trail, a 2006 semi driven by Terry R. Snider, 58, of Evans, also struck Meuchel's trailer, the patrol said. Snider was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured.

As the three trucks collided, a 2008 Nissan Altima, driven by Jose G. Solis, 19, of Sunnyside, allegedly swerved to miss the collision and was struck by a 2005 Dodge truck driven by James Noyes, 65, of Billings, Mont., the patrol said. Noyes's truck then struck the trailer of Snider's tractor-trailer.

Solis was wearing his seatbelt, but sustained injuries, the patrol said. He was transported to a Pasco hospital.

Solis' passenger, 19-year-old Jovita M. Boatner of College Place, was taken to the same hospital, the patrol said. She was wearing her seatbelt.

Noyes was transported to an Othello hospital, the patrol said. It is unknown if he was wearing his seatbelt.

All vehicles were listed as totaled, except for those of Snider and Fullerton, which had reportable damage, the patrol said.

Both northbound lanes of Highway 395 were fully blocked and closed until shortly after 2 a.m., the patrol said.

Responding agencies the Washington State Patrol (Ritzville and Kennewick detachments), Adams County Sheriff's Office, Lind and Connell fire departments, and emergency medical services from Othello and Ritzville.

Yakima County’s Department of Transportation assisted in re-directing traffic.

Author Bio

Katie Teachout, Editor

Katie Teachout is the editor of the Ritzville Adams County Journal. She has more than a decade experience covering Eastern Washington, including the Upper Kittitas Valley, the Methow Valley and Okanogan and Ferry counties.

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