Brinnon, WA (August 23, 2026) – Three people were critically injured on August 21 after two vehicles collided head-on on US Highway 101 in the Duckabush area. The collision occurred at about 1:30 p.m., sending all three to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle by air for advanced treatment.
A fourth person involved was evaluated by emergency units and later released to the Washington State Patrol. That person was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI. US 101 reopened with alternating traffic at about 4:22 p.m., and drivers were urged to use caution while passing through the affected stretch.
Emergency units also handled a separate tree-fall accident elsewhere in the district Sunday. One person hurt in that accident was flown to Harborview Medical Center, bringing the afternoon’s total to four critically injured people flown for treatment. The investigation into the head-on collision remains underway.
Our thoughts are with everyone injured and their families as they face the aftermath.
What Happens After a Serious Head-On Collision?
A serious head-on collision can require a detailed review of vehicle damage, roadway conditions, weather, and driver actions. Investigators might examine photographs, physical evidence, witness accounts, and available video footage to establish how the vehicles came together.
Medical records can also provide information about the severity of injuries and the treatment each person received. Vehicle inspections may help identify mechanical problems or damage patterns that provide additional information about the forces involved. In some cases, toxicology testing may also be considered when impaired driving is suspected.
The final findings can take time, particularly when several vehicles and people are involved. Early information may therefore remain limited until records, evidence, and statements have been reviewed.
