SR 153 near Pateros reopens following fatality collision

PATEROS – State Route 153 near Pateros is reopened following a multiple-vehicle crash involving a fatality earlier today that temporarily closed the route west of the city.

A Washington State Patrol (WSP) media release said 59-year-old Apolinar Martin-Garcia of Mattawa was southbound on SR 153 at about 7:30 a.m. when the vehicle he was driving crossed into the northbound lane and struck a northbound vehicle, which was in turn struck by a second vehicle traveling northbound.

All three vehicles came to rest on the highway, blocking both lanes.

Martin-Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene. A second driver was transported to the hospital and the driver of the third vehicle escaped injury.

Pateros Mayor Kelly Hook reported that the highway reopened early this afternoon after the Washington State Patrol (WSP) completed its investigation.

EMT and fire units from both Pateros and Brewster responded to the accident, according to Pateros Fire Chief Kerry Heen.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media