Douglas County, WA (March 28, 2026) – Five people were injured following a three-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon, March 27, near East Wenatchee.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the collision occurred around 3:25 p.m. on State Route 28B, about one mile north of the city. Authorities said a 72-year-old woman driving a GMC Acadia attempted to turn left from 24th Street into the northbound lanes when the vehicle collided with an Audi Q5. The impact caused the Audi to roll over before striking a Chevy Trailblazer. Officials said the Audi eventually came to rest in the southbound lanes, while the Chevy struck a guardrail and came to a stop in the northbound lanes, blocking traffic in both directions.
Emergency responders transported five people to local hospitals for treatment. The driver of the GMC was among those injured. A 17-year-old driver of the Audi was not hurt, but four juvenile passengers in the vehicle sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. The driver and passenger of the Chevy were not injured in the crash.
Investigators determined that failure to yield the right-of-way was a contributing factor. Authorities also confirmed that drugs and alcohol were not involved. Charges remain under investigation. The crash temporarily shut down SR-28B as crews worked to clear the scene and assist those involved. The investigation remains ongoing.
We wish a full and speedy recovery to all those injured in this incident.
What Happens When Drivers Fail to Yield the Right-of-Way?
Failure to yield is a common cause of multi-vehicle crashes, particularly at intersections and when turning across traffic.
When a driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, it can lead to sudden and forceful collisions. These crashes often involve multiple vehicles, especially when the initial impact causes a chain reaction.
Even when safety measures are followed, passengers, especially younger ones, can be vulnerable to injuries in rollover or secondary impacts.
