Ridgefield, WA (March 9, 2026) – Two people lost their lives early on Monday morning following a wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 near Ridgefield, according to authorities. Troopers with the Washington State Patrol said the collision occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. on the northbound lanes.
According to investigators, a 2018 Ford Focus was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of the interstate when it collided head-on with a 2025 Toyota Corolla.
Authorities identified the driver of the Ford as Rebecca F. Hantho, 40, of La Center, Washington. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota, a 30-year-old man from Portland, Oregon, also died at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name.
Emergency crews closed all northbound lanes of Interstate 5 while investigators processed the scene and cleared the wreckage. The roadway remained shut down for several hours before reopening shortly after 8:00 a.m.
Officials with the Washington State Patrol said it is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Often Lead to Fatal Outcomes?
Wrong-way crashes frequently result in severe or fatal injuries because they often involve head-on collisions between vehicles traveling at highway speeds.
On major roadways such as Interstate 5, vehicles typically move at high speeds, which significantly increases the force of impact when two vehicles collide directly. These crashes can occur when a driver mistakenly enters a highway exit ramp or travels in the wrong direction along the roadway.
Investigators often examine factors such as roadway signage, driver behavior, and possible impairment to determine how a wrong-way vehicle entered the highway.
