OLYMPIA, Thurston County, Wash., Oct. 22, 2026 — Two people were hurt on Wednesday, October 21, when a chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles shut down State Route 510 at Reservation Road for more than an hour, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Troopers said four vehicles were headed westbound on SR 510 in a single lane when the lead vehicle failed to brake and rear-ended the car ahead of it. That impact set off a chain reaction, with the second vehicle striking a third and the third striking a fourth. A fifth vehicle, traveling eastbound in the opposite lane, reportedly struck debris scattered across the roadway from the pileup.
The drivers of the second and third vehicles were taken to St. Peter's Hospital with injuries. Three of the five vehicles involved, the first, second and third, were reported as totaled in the collision.
The roadway was blocked for about one hour and 25 minutes while crews cleared the scene. Brayden Webb, 18, the driver of the lead vehicle, was cited in connection with the crash. The state patrol said it has not determined an official cause, and the investigation remains open.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
More Crash News from Thurston County
This multi-vehicle crash happened at State Route 510 and Reservation Road in Olympia, WA. For other recent crashes near Olympia, WA, visit our Thurston County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a chain-reaction pileup?
Keep scanning well ahead of the vehicle directly in front of you, not just the car immediately ahead, so you have time to react if traffic suddenly slows or stops.
What should I do if I come upon a crash blocking the road ahead?
Slow down early, turn on hazard lights to warn vehicles behind you, and look for a safe shoulder to pull onto rather than stopping in a live travel lane.
Why does following distance matter so much in highway traffic?
A longer gap between vehicles gives a driver more time to brake smoothly rather than slam into the car ahead, which often starts a multi-vehicle pileup.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Olympia, WA
If you're involved in a chain-reaction crash, check yourself and any passengers for injuries before stepping out, and move to a safe spot away from traffic if you're able. Call 911 so officers can document the scene and direct traffic around the wreck. Even if you feel fine, consider getting checked by a medical provider, since injuries from a rear-end impact can take hours or days to show symptoms. Keep records of any medical visits, vehicle damage, and the police report, and notify your insurer promptly. If you were stopped or struck through no fault of your own, documenting the scene with photos can help sort out what happened among multiple vehicles.
