QUILCENE — A 93-year-old woman was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center after avoiding a head-on collision with a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 101 on Tuesday near Quilcene.
Laura J. Lynch of Santa Teresa, N.M., was airlifted to the Seattle hospital following a three-vehicle wreck. Lynch had non-life threatening injuries, said Trooper Russ Winger, State Patrol spokesman.
She was not wearing a seat belt, according to a State Patrol memo.
The wreck was reported at 11:07 a.m. near Leland Cutoff Road, according to the state Department of Transportation.
It involved a semi-truck, motor home and BMW, Winger said.
The semi swerved into oncoming northbound traffic when the driver, Robert J. Walker of Yakima, couldn’t slow in time for a vehicle that was making a legal left turn, Winger said.
State Patrol account
William W. Little, 74, who was driving an incoming motor home, swerved right and avoided the semi, Winger said.
Lynch and Vikki A. Little, 70, were passengers in the motor home.
The semi struck a BMW behind the motor home, Winger said. Lawrence W. Hull, 71, who was driving the BMW, was able to drive away with reportable damage to his car.
“It could have been a lot worse,” Winger said.
“They were able to avoid that head-on collision with a semi. That would not have been good. They were very lucky they were able to get out of the way.”
Winger said Walker was uninjured and others were treated at the scene.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
