Kalama, WA (April 23, 2025) – A rear-end collision on northbound Interstate 5 sent three people, including a two-year-old child, to the hospital Tuesday evening after a driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The crash occurred just before 5:00 p.m. near milepost 30, south of Kalama, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Authorities say 21-year-old Wyatt Marrs was driving northbound when he failed to respond to slowing traffic and collided with the rear of another vehicle. The impacted car was occupied by a 34-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter. All three individuals sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.
Following the incident, Marrs was cited for second-degree negligent driving. Investigators confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol were involved, attributing the crash solely to driver fatigue.
Traffic on I-5 was temporarily disrupted as emergency services responded to the scene and cleared the affected vehicles.
Our thoughts are with the injured, especially the young child, and we hope for a full and swift recovery for all involved.
Drowsy Driving and Rear-End Collisions on Washington Highways
Fatigue-related crashes remain a serious concern on major highways like I-5, where long stretches of roadway and heavy commuter traffic can contribute to driver exhaustion. The incident near Kalama is a troubling example of how a momentary lapse caused by drowsiness can lead to serious harm—especially when traffic conditions require quick responses.
Rear-end crashes are among the most common consequences of drowsy driving. When a driver is fatigued, their reaction time slows dramatically, making it difficult to stop in time when traffic ahead begins to decelerate. In this case, the consequences were especially concerning as they involved a small child.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries each year are directly linked to drowsy driving, although the actual numbers are likely higher due to underreporting. Unlike impairment by drugs or alcohol, drowsiness leaves no traceable signature—making it harder to detect until it’s too late.
For families involved in such crashes, recovery can be physically and emotionally draining. From medical bills to trauma support, victims often need a variety of services to regain their footing.
If you or someone in your family has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, including fatigue, it’s important to seek appropriate medical care and explore your legal options.
At Local Accident Reports, we’re here to help victims of serious crashes find clarity, support, and the tools they need to move forward. For more updates and trusted resources, visit Local Accident Reports today.
