Dust storm causes crashes

Katie Teachout, The Journal | Sep 10, 20200

RITZVILLE — A duststorm that began just before noon caused multiple crashes, prompting area road closures through early evening hours Monday, Sept. 7.

Washington State Patrol Sgt. Ethan Wynecoop said the multiple car crashes, which were all dust-related, resulted in no serious injuries.

“It was absolutely a mess. You couldn’t see more than 10 feet in front of you,” Wynecoop said. “Almost every state route through our patrol area here had crashes of one sort or another.”

Wynecoop said Intestate 90, state Highways 26, 21 and 261, and U.S. Highway 395 were all closed due to a lack of visibility.

All the highways have since been re-opened.

“There may be some cars out there yet, we still have to sweep the beat to see if there is anything remaining,” Wynecoop said.

He added that the state Department of Transportation checked Highway 395 to Franklin County, and the patrol checked I-90 to Grant County to make sure the roads were safe before reopening.

Author Bio

Katie Teachout, Former Editor of The Ritzville Adams County Journal

Katie Teachout is the former editor of The Ritzville Adams County Journal. Previously, she worked as a reporter at The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle, the Oroville Gazette-Tribune, Northern Kittitas County Tribune and the Methow Valley News. She is a graduate of Western Washington University.