Available 
A child was involved in the collision and required medical evaluation, according to dispatch information. No further details about the child’s condition or the other occupants have been confirmed.
Emergency units responded to the scene to assist and manage the roadway disruption. The cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed, as the initial report was generated from public dispatch audio.
Authorities continue to look into the circumstances of the collision, and more information will be shared as it becomes available. We are thinking of the child and anyone else affected as they receive care.
What Are the Risks for Children Involved in Car Crashes in Washington State?
Children face unique risks in vehicle crashes because their bodies are still developing. Even a collision that seems minor can result in injuries that are not immediately visible, which is why medical evaluation is standard practice when a child is involved. Washington State law requires age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats for children, specifically to reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash.
Intersections in mid-size cities like Richland can see a mix of residential and through traffic, which increases the chance of side-impact collisions. This type of crash — sometimes called a T-bone — tends to pose higher risks for passengers seated closest to the point of impact. Proper restraint systems are the most effective way to protect young passengers in these situations.
