Ephrata collision leaves 3 injured

EPHRATA — Three people were injured in a two-vehicle collision Wednesday evening near Ephrata.

About 4:45 p.m. Arnool Chavez-Balbuena, 19, of Quincy, was driving a 2007 Toyota Yaris south on state Route 17, about four miles east of Ephrata, from state Route 282 and reportedly failed to negotiate a curve in the road. Chavez-Balbuena reportedly crossed the centerline and struck a 2006 Kia Amanti driven by Tatum Harvey, 34, of Moses Lake, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Chavez-Balbuena and Tatum were injured and transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake for treatment. Chavez-Balbuena’s passenger, Guadalupe Balbuena-Reyes, 68, of Quincy, was transported to Samaritan Hospital as a precaution.

Both of the vehicles involved in the collision sustained reportable damages and were impounded. The patrol reports Chavez-Balbuena was cited for crossing the centerline.

— Staff report