Three injured in collisions in snow

PULLMAN — An April snowstorm led to three vehicles colliding, sending three people to hospitals.

A vehicle going north on State Route 195, about 8 miles south of Pullman, went out of control in the snow, according to Sgt. Michael Jordan, of the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office.

It crossed into oncoming traffic and sideswiped a car heading south, turned sideways in the southbound lane, and was struck by a pickup pulling a trailer.

“Deputies believe along with the slick conditions, speed and worn tires were a cause in the collision,” stated Jordan. “Crews arrived on scene and battled winter weather tending to occupants of the involved vehicles. (One) person had to be extricated from the vehicle using the ‘jaws of life.’”

Emergency responders closed the highway for an hour to treat drivers and passengers, and remove vehicles.

Six people were in the three vehicles. The driver causing the collisions was taken for life-threatening injuries by helicopter to Spokane, and two people were taken to Pullman Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Patrol, Whitman County Fire District 12, and Pullman Fire responded to collisions.