Traffic accident claims lives of Orcas islanders

||| FROM SOURCE ONE |||

CHELAN – A three-vehicle crash on U.S. 97 in Chelan County left three people dead and two others injured late Friday night, according to a Washington State Patrol press memo.

The collision occurred around 9:11 p.m. on May 1 near milepost 233 along the highway, just north of Chelan Falls. Troopers say a southbound vehicle crossed the centerline into the northbound lanes, striking an oncoming vehicle. A third vehicle then struck one of the involved cars, leading to a chain-reaction crash.

Authorities identified one of the deceased as Derek J. Rairdan, 47, of Republic, who was driving the southbound vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Also killed were David R. Klein, 22, of Eastsound, the driver of one of the northbound vehicles, and his passenger, Weaver, 20, also of Eastsound. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two others in the second vehicle, identified as Eugene B. Renner, 53, of Omak, and Dario Martinez, 53, of Bridgeport, were injured and transported to Lake Chelan Health Hospital. Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, according to the report.

Troopers say all drivers and passengers involved were wearing seatbelts. No pedestrians were involved.

The crash involved a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2001 Honda Civic, and a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Two of the vehicles were reported totaled, while the Honda Civic sustained reportable damage.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and it is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol were a factor.

The roadway was impacted for several hours as emergency crews responded and cleared the scene.