Mabton, WA (April 6, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash on Sunday night near Mabton left two people dead and another injured in what authorities say was a DUI-related collision.
The crash occurred when a Honda Civic attempted to turn left onto SR-22 and was struck by a westbound Nissan Quest. Emergency crews responded to the scene and found both vehicles heavily damaged.
The driver of the Honda, a 60-year-old man, and his 48-year-old passenger were both pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Nissan, identified as 32-year-old Emilio L. Mireles of Mabton, was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center with injuries. Officials said charges are pending as drugs or alcohol are believed to have been a factor in the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
Why Impaired Driving and Failure to Yield Are a Dangerous Combination
Crashes involving impaired driving can be especially severe due to reduced reaction times and poor judgment. When combined with failure to yield, the risk of a serious collision increases significantly.
Left-turn crashes are particularly dangerous because they often place vehicles directly in the path of oncoming traffic. These situations leave little room for error.
Avoiding impaired driving and following right-of-way rules are critical steps in preventing these types of tragic incidents.