News bites for Aug. 14, 2023
The occupants of these two vehicles survived the three-vehicle collision on I-90 Wednesday, although many of them were transported to Samaritan Hospital for treatment of injuries.
Joel Martin/Columbia Basin Herald
MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Patrol has released more information regarding the fatal collision on Interstate 90 east of Moses Lake on Aug. 9.
Derek Jay Duplichan, 30, of Warden, was driving a 2001 Acura MDX eastbound in the left lane on I-90 near the Road U/Warden exit when he drove into the median in an attempt to pass a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva driven by Brent T. Palmen, 34, of Moses Lake, according to the WSP. Duplichan then reentered the lane and struck Palmen’s vehicle, causing both drivers to lose control. Palmen’s vehicle crossed the median into the westbound lanes, where it struck a 2022 Toyota Highlander driven by Kellie A. Taylor, 54, of Snohomish, causing Taylor’s vehicle to run into a fence. Palmen’s and Taylor’s vehicles came to rest on the westbound shoulder, while Duplichan’s vehicle rolled multiple times and came to rest on the cable barriers in the median. Duplichan, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle.
Duplichan was transported by air to Kadlec Medical Center in Kennewick, where he died of his injuries.
Palmen was transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake for treatment, as were his passengers Jasie L. Foryan, 29, of Moses Lake, a 5-year-old girl and a 7-year-old girl. Taylor was also taken to Samaritan. Her passengers Jack Taylor, 57, of Snohomish and a 9-year-old girl were unharmed. All were wearing seat belts.
The cause of the collision was reckless driving, the WSP wrote, and it was unknown whether drugs or alcohol was a factor. Duplichan had been arrested in October 2020 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, manufacturing marijuana and possession of a stolen firearm, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and had been arrested again on July 27 on several outstanding warrants.
MOSES LAKE — Law enforcement agencies will be especially vigilant this week as part of the Target Zero effort to curb impaired driving, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
In a continued effort to reduce traffic accidents during the Grant County Fair, increased safety patrols will be visible on Friday throughout the Moses Lake area, the statement said. The DUI emphasis patrols will be led by Washington State Patrol and joined by local law enforcement.
The Grant County Fair is a much-anticipated annual event in Grant County that attracts thousands of Grant County residents and tourists to the Greater Moses Lake area, the statement said. Many families celebrate by strolling the fairgrounds, enjoying the rides, and attending related events. People who plan to consume alcohol at the fair or rodeo grounds should make plans ahead of time to ensure a safe and sober ride home, the GCSO wrote, as drunk driving has the potential to take a life in an instant.
The GCSO offered these recommendations for staying safe on the road:
• If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
• Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they have been using alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.
• Always wear your seat belt. It is your best defense against impaired drivers.
• Provide a safe environment for youth to thrive substance-free.
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911.
Getting home safe is always worth it, the statement added.
More information can be found at www.targetzero.com.