Crash sends Ephrata man to Harborview

EPHRATA - A 2-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 about 19 miles east of Ellensburg on Oct. 3 sent an Ephrata man with injuries to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Jeff D. Wilcoz, 57, was driving a 2003 Ford E350 van westbound on I-90 when a smoking, slow-moving vehicle in the right lane led to a collision.

A 2001 Volvo semi truck and trailer moved from the right lane to the center lane to avoid the smoking vehicle. Driven by Francisco Vasquez, 33, of Yakima, the truck pulled into Wilcox's path, and Wilcox rear-ended the truck.

No alcohol or drugs were involved in the incident, the Washington State Patrol said. Both drivers were using safety restraints. Vazquez was not injured. The van was totaled.

- Staff report