4 more hurt at risky Mattawa intersection

MATTAWA - Four more people were injured Friday at the dangerous west entrance to Mattawa, which is scheduled for massive safety improvement by sometime next year.

The latest injuries in the Highway 243-Road 24 SW intersection were the result of a two-car crash. According to the Washington State Patrol, a driver attempting to enter 243 from 24, drove her car into the path of a vehicle on 243.

The intersection is notorious for collisions and injuries. The Washington State Department of Transportation is planning for a roundabout to be in place next year.

In the interim, the WSDOT has upgraded the stop signs on 24 by bordering them with flashing red lights, and the caution signs on 243 are bordered with flashing yellow lights. Still the accidents occur.

Friday's collision happened at about 6:40 p.m. Neither drugs nor alcohol was involved, the WSP said. All four victims were using their safety restraints.

According to the WSP, Selena Sandoval, 17, of Mattawa was transported by Medstar Ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. Sandra G. Sandoval, 6, of Mattawa, a passenger in the Sandoval car, was transported by ambulance to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland.

Gary D. Lakey, 55, of Sunnyside, driver of the second vehicle, was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital. Roxzana L. Lakey, 55, of Sunnyside, a passenger in the Lakey vehicle, was transported by ambulance to Samaritan.

Sandoval was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Impala 4-door. She was westbound on 24, leaving Mattawa, the WSP said, and attempting to turn left onto the southbound lane of 243.

The WSP said Sandoval drove her car into the path of the Lakey vehicle, a 2003 Chevrolet pickup with dump trailer, which was northbound on 243. The two vehicles collided in the roadway.

Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene by Davis Towing.