Kent police have initiated an investigation into a fatal two-vehicle collision on Pacific Highway South in Kent on Nov. 4.
The collision killed a woman and left a 45-year-old Tacoma driver, suspected of intoxication at the time of the crash, hospitalized. Police suspected the second driver, 34-year-old Kent man, additionally of alcohol impairment at the time of the collision.
According to the Kent Police Department, multiple units were dispatched at 11:37 p.m. Nov. 4 to the 24200 block of Pacific Highway South regarding an injury accident. Callers reported to 911 that two vehicles collided on the highway, resulting in serious injuries.
Callers stated both drivers remained at the scene, with one of the drivers appearing to be intoxicated, according to the department. Additionally, callers reported one of the involved vehicles caught fire.
Officers arrived and located a seriously injured and unconscious woman near one of the vehicles in the collision.
Both Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and King County Medic One staff arrived and started performing lifesaving measures on the woman.
According to the department, she died as a result of her injuries at the scene.
Investigation found the 34-year-old Kent man traveled northbound at a high rate of speed prior to colliding with the vehicle of the 45-year-old Tacoma man. The Tacoma man’s vehicle struck the Kent man’s vehicle after the Tacoma man, traveling southbound, executed a U-turn into the northbound lanes.
Officers recovered a beer bottle in a bush after witnesses reported they saw the 34-year-old Kent man toss the bottle after the accident. The 45-year-old Tacoma man admitted to drinking prior to the collision, with officers noticing signs of alcohol impairment, according to the department.
First responders transported the Tacoma man to the hospital for injuries sustained in the collision. A judge approved a warrant for a blood draw from the man to check for substance-use.
The Kent Police Traffic Unit continues to investigate the collision, collecting evidence and statements.
No charges have been filed as of Nov. 5.
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