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Richland, WA (June 21, 2026) – A Richland woman died, and her young granddaughter was hurt on Friday night after an Amazon semi-truck entered an intersection against a red light on Highway 240 in Richland.
According to reports, the tractor-trailer was traveling north on the Highway 240 bypass at about 8:30 p.m. on June 19 when the driver failed to stop at the intersection with Duportail Street. The truck then struck a Subaru Outback driven by 58-year-old Teresa J. Weers of Richland.
Weers was traveling southwest on Duportail Street near the bridge over the Yakima River when the collision occurred. She died before reaching a hospital. An 8-year-old girl riding in the Subaru, identified by family members as Weers’ granddaughter, was taken to a local medical center. A family update shared Saturday indicated the child was recovering.
Investigators said the semi-driver, 46-year-old Michael Tekeste Asgodom of Shoreline, was not hurt. Charges are pending, and investigators reported that neither drugs nor alcohol was a factor. Westbound lanes of Highway 240 remained closed for several hours while crews worked on the roadway. The cause of the crash remains under review as investigators continue gathering information.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends mourning this loss.
Why Red-Light Violations Can Lead to Severe Highway Intersection Crashes
Intersections where highways meet local roads can present serious hazards when traffic signals are ignored. Drivers moving at higher speeds usually have less time to avoid vehicles legally crossing through an intersection. As a result, crashes at these locations frequently involve significant vehicle damage and severe injuries.
Investigators typically review traffic signal data, vehicle positions, witness statements, and roadway evidence to determine what occurred. Commercial trucks also may have onboard systems that record speed and braking activity before a collision. These records can help establish a timeline of events.
In collisions involving large trucks, the difference in vehicle size and weight frequently increases the risk of serious harm to occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. Careful analysis of all available evidence helps provide a clearer understanding of how these crashes happen.
