Stevens Pass, WA (May 27, 2026) – A serious two-vehicle collision shut down both directions of travel on U.S. Highway 2 Tuesday morning near Stevens Pass. The crash was reported around 10 a.m. just west of Coles Corner, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Investigators said one driver was turning left from White Pine Road onto US-2 when the vehicle entered the path of an eastbound vehicle. The two vehicles then collided head-on along the highway.
Both directions of travel were closed while emergency units worked in the roadway. Officials have not yet released information about injuries or the identities of the people involved.
Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the highway wreck. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the crash.
Why Head-On Highway Crashes Are Often Severe
Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of roadway collisions because the forces of both moving vehicles combine at the moment of impact. These crashes frequently occur on highways, where vehicles travel at higher speeds, increasing the risk of serious injuries and prolonged roadway closures.
Left turns across active traffic lanes can become especially hazardous when drivers misjudge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles. Investigators reviewing these crashes often examine visibility, traffic flow, skid marks, and roadway design to understand how the vehicles came together. Mountain highways and rural roads may also present added challenges because curves, elevation changes, and limited passing zones can reduce reaction time for drivers traveling in opposite directions.