Ephrata man injured in collision, which also catches vehicle on fire

An Ephrata man was injured Friday morning in a collision on state Route 155, south of Steamboat Rock State Park.

Joshua J. Bessette, 46, was driving a 2008 Honda CR-V north on state Route 155 just before 7:12 a.m., near milepost eight, when the vehicle left the road, struck a rock bank and rolled. The Honda came to rest in the northbound ditch east of the highway and caught fire as a result of the collision, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Bessette was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for his injuries.

The WSP is investigating the cause of the collision and it was unknown at press time whether drugs or alcohol were involved or if he wore a seat belt.