Two Drivers Injured in Wednesday Crash on Highway 12

A crash on U.S. Highway 12 on Wednesday left two drivers with injuries and forced a 9-mile closure of the roadway for several hours. Washington State Patrol Troopers say a semi-truck driver crashed into a vehicle at about 6:45 am Wednesday.

Troopers say the large truck crossed the center line on Wednesday

Troopers say 64-year-old Danny Williams of Chehalis Washington was driving the large truck eastbound on U.S. 12 near the Windy Point Campground when they say the trailer of the truck crossed the center line and crashed into a westbound vehicle, a Ford F-350 driven by 64-year-old Richard Rinehold of Sunnyside.

Both vehicles were totaled in the crash

Troopers say both vehicles were totaled in the crash and both drivers were injured. Williams was injured and had to be airlifted to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital while the other driver, Rinehold was taken by ambulance for medical treatment. We don't know the extent of injuries or the condition of the drivers. Both were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. U.S. Highway 12 was closed from the early morning until about 1:00 pm Wednesday. The roadway is open today.

Truck drivers say it's a challenge to drive U.S. Highway 12

Local truck drivers tell KIT News U.S. Highway 12 is a tough road to navigate with a large truck because of the narrow turns and roadway as it weaves through the mountain pass. They say it's not only a challenge in the summer but also even more of a challenge in the winter months.