Othello residents injured in Franklin County collision

PASCO — Four people, two of whom are from Othello, were injured in a two-vehicle collision in Franklin County on Friday.

About 8:45 p.m. Gene Hulse, 70, of Prosser, was driving a 2005 Toyota Sienna mini-van north on state Route 395, about 14 miles north of Pasco, when he attempted to make a lane change to the left and exit the highway. As he was changing lanes Hulse reportedly struck a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Mauricio Rodriguez, 52, of Othello, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Hulse was not injured, but two of his passengers, a 14-year-old girl and 16-year-old girl, received injuries and were transported to Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco for treatment. Rodriguez and his passenger, Daniel Van Buren, 32, of Othello, were injured as well and transported to Lourdes Medical Center.

The Toyota and Jeep sustained reportable damages and were towed from the scene. The patrol lists the cause of the collision as unsafe lane change and Hulse was cited for second-degree negligent driving.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.