Shelton, WA (February 23, 2026) – Two people were hurt after a van overturned and was later struck by another vehicle on US Highway 101 near Sanderson Field. The crash happened around 3:50 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, along the northbound side of the highway in Mason County.
According to the Washington State Patrol, an unidentified driver was heading north when the van left the roadway, hit an embankment, and rolled onto its driver’s side.
Officials said the driver of the van fled the scene after the crash. A short time later, a second vehicle traveling north collided with the undercarriage of the overturned van.
The second driver, a 57-year-old Shelton man, was injured and taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. His 49-year-old female passenger from Port Angeles was also hurt and taken to Mason General Hospital in Shelton.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We wish those hurt a rapid recovery.
Why Secondary Crashes Can Be Dangerous on Highways
Secondary crashes often happen when a vehicle remains in the roadway after an initial accident. On highways such as US 101, drivers may have little time to react, especially during overnight hours when visibility is lower.
An overturned vehicle can be difficult to see, particularly if it blocks only part of a lane or has limited lighting. Drivers approaching the scene may not expect an obstacle in their path, increasing the risk of another collision.
Highway speeds also raise the chance of serious injuries. Even if the first crash does not involve other vehicles, the danger can continue until the roadway is cleared. This is why stalled or damaged vehicles on high-speed roads create ongoing risks for approaching traffic.
