Port Ludlow, WA (March 4, 2026) – A fatal head-on crash involving two passenger vehicles and a Jefferson Transit bus shut down State Route 104 Tuesday evening, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
According to East Jefferson Fire Rescue, crews were dispatched at approximately 6:51 p.m. to a reported collision on Beaver Valley Road at State Route 104. When emergency responders arrived, they encountered multiple injured individuals at the scene.
The Washington State Patrol confirmed that a 17-year-old girl was pronounced dead. A 29-year-old man who had been a passenger on the Jefferson Transit bus sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for emergency treatment.
Authorities stated that the bus driver was not injured. The driver and a passenger in a pickup truck involved in the crash were transported to Jefferson General Hospital for medical care. Their conditions have not been publicly detailed.
The Washington State Patrol reported that State Route 104 at State Route 19 was fully blocked. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes during the extended closure. The Washington State Department of Transportation Travel Center Map later indicated that the highway had since reopened.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the young girl who lost her life, and wish strength and recovery to those injured in this tragic collision.
Multi-Vehicle Head-On Collisions Carry Elevated Risk
Head-on crashes are among the most severe types of roadway incidents due to the combined force of opposing vehicles. When multiple vehicles and public transportation are involved, the risk of widespread injury increases significantly.
Investigators in collisions of this nature typically evaluate lane positioning, speed, potential impairment, roadway configuration, and driver decision-making. In incidents involving commercial or public transit vehicles, additional review may include operator training records and vehicle maintenance histories.
Extended roadway closures are common following fatal multi-vehicle crashes, as reconstruction specialists must document evidence, measure impact points, and assess contributing factors before reopening the scene.
