Mattawa man dies in collision near Desert Aire

DESERT AIRE — A Mattawa man died Monday night after he reportedly fled a collision and crashed head-on into a semi near Desert Aire.

About 9:35 p.m. Miguel Garcia Maximino, 31, of Mattawa, was heading north on state Route 243, near Desert Aire, in a 1999 Toyota Camry after fleeing a separate collision and reportedly crossed the centerline. Garcia Maximino reportedly struck a 1997 International driven by Agustin Santana, 48, of Sunnyside, head-on.

The Camry rolled over and came to a rest on its top off of the northbound shoulder. The semi came to a rest on the northbound shoulder and became fully engulfed in flames, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Garcia Maximino died at the scene of the collision. Santana was not injured. The patrol is continuing to investigate.

— Staff report