Rear-end collision sends three to hospital

QUINCY — Three people were injured and transported to unidentified hospitals after a Yakima woman allegedly rear-ended the vehicle in front of her and caused both to be hit by a semi-truck Thursday morning about 2 miles north of George.  

Charges are pending against Toefuataina Taai, 33, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.  

Taai allegedly ran into the back of a car driven by Harold Venables, 74, Cle Elum, as both vehicles drove north on State Route 281. The collision occurred about 8:30 a.m. Thursday. 

The collision pushed Venables’ vehicle into the southbound lanes where it was hit by a semi driven by Elias Lopez Fernandez, 44, Moses Lake. Lopez Fernandez also hit Taai’s vehicle.  

Taai, Venables and his passenger, James Dittmar, 78, Ronald, were transported to a hospital, the WSP press release said. Lopez Fernandez was unhurt. 

The WSP release said the collision is under investigation; it was unknown if intoxicating substances were involved. The collision closed the road for about six hours.