COLFAX, Wash. — A tragic collision near Colfax on Friday evening claimed the life of one driver and left several others injured. According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash happened along Highway 195, a route that has seen its share of serious accidents in recent years.
Investigators reported that the chain of events began when a Subaru Outback, traveling southbound, attempted to make what authorities described as an unsafe pass. While trying to maneuver around another vehicle, the Subaru collided head-on with a northbound Honda Accord. The impact caused the Honda to lose control, veer off the road, and overturn before coming to rest upside down on the west shoulder of the highway.
The driver of the Honda Accord, identified as 67-year-old Sandra Hall, tragically died at the scene. Officials confirmed that Hall was the sole occupant of the Accord, and despite immediate response efforts, her injuries proved fatal.
Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback was carrying the driver and four passengers at the time of the crash. All five individuals sustained injuries of varying severity. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and the victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Among the injured, two passengers required urgent medical attention and were airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital for advanced care. The condition of the Subaru’s occupants has not been fully disclosed, but authorities indicated their injuries were serious enough to warrant hospitalization.
Washington State Patrol emphasized that charges against the driver of the Subaru are pending as the investigation continues. The exact details of the unsafe passing maneuver, including whether speed, impairment, or distracted driving played a role, remain under review. Troopers are working to reconstruct the crash and interview witnesses to piece together what led to the deadly outcome.
The accident caused significant disruptions on Highway 195 near Colfax, with traffic slowed or diverted while emergency crews worked at the site. The roadway remained partially closed for several hours as law enforcement conducted their investigation and as wreckage was cleared.
Fatal collisions like this one underscore the dangers of risky driving behaviors such as improper passing on two-lane highways. Authorities urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly on rural stretches of road where opportunities to pass are limited and visibility can be deceiving.
Community members have already begun expressing condolences for Sandra Hall, remembering her as a longtime area resident whose sudden loss has left a void for family, friends, and neighbors.
As the investigation proceeds, Washington State Patrol reiterated that further information will be released once charges are finalized against the Subaru’s driver. In the meantime, law enforcement is reminding drivers that patience and caution on the road can mean the difference between life and death.
This incident adds to the growing list of serious crashes in Washington this year, highlighting the ongoing need for safe driving practices and continued awareness of the risks that come with aggressive or reckless maneuvers.
