ML man killed in Highway 17 crash

A Moses Lake man was killed in a two-car collision at the intersection of Highway 17 and Randolph Road north of Moses Lake Thursday at 3:38 p.m.

Francisco H. Concha, 56, was found dead at the scene by Washington State Patrol troopers investigating the crash.

Concha was turning south onto Highway 17 from Randolph Road in a 1995 Buick Le Sabre when he was struck on the driver's side by a 1999 Ford pickup truck traveling north on Highway 17.

Concha had stopped at the sign on Randolph Road, then pulled out in front of the pickup truck, Rich Magnussen, spokesman for the Washington State Patrol, said. He was wearing his seat belt, according to a state patrol memo.

Magnussen said neither alcohol nor speed were factors in the accident.

"He stopped, but it looks like he failed to see the vehicle coming," Magnussen said.

The driver of the Ford pickup, a 74-year-old man, was taken to Samaritan Hospital for treatment of injuries. The extent of those injuries is unknown at this time.

Grant County Coroner Jerry Jasman ruled the cause of death to be from severe neck injuries due to blunt impact to the head.

Magnussen cautioned motorists to be wary of traffic signs on Highway 17 in the future, especially with the busy Labor Day weekend coming up.

"Be wary when you're approaching intersections and watch out for stop signs," Magnussen said.