Two passengers ejected in hit and run collision

THORNTON – Five people were transported to area hospitals, including one by LifeFlight, after a hit and run collision north of Ralph Henning Road near Thornton.

Washington State Patrol responded at 2:45 p.m. Sunday, June 14, to the collision, along with fire departments from Colfax, Steptoe and Rosalia, and Whitman County Sheriff's Office. According to Trooper Rob Aucutt, two vehicles were headed southbound on Highway 195 when the first pulled onto the shoulder. The second vehicle, a grey Ford Focus, while staying in the southbound lane, began to pass. The first vehicle pulled back onto the road and brushed the Focus. The driver made an evasive maneuver and lost control of the vehicle. The Focus crossed the centerline, both northbound lanes and rolled into a field.

There were five occupants in the vehicle; only the driver and front passenger were wearing seat belts. Two of the back seat passengers were ejected from the vehicle. Both were transported to Spokane for non-life-threatening injuries, one by LifeFlight, the other by ground ambulance, according to Trooper Aucutt. The other three occupants were taken to Whitman Medical Center.

The first vehicle did not stop. It was described as a white Toyota Camry-style vehicle. It is wanted for hit and run. Any witness to the collision is encouraged to contact WSP at 509-397-3600.