Seattle, WA (December 2, 2024) - A 26-year-old man is in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center after a suspected DUI crash on State Route 520 early Sunday morning. The collision occurred when a 60-year-old man from Kirkland, driving a Hyundai Elantra, was traveling east in the westbound lanes of SR 520 and struck the 26-year-old head-on.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 1:30 a.m., and the injured driver was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where he remains in the ICU in critical condition. The driver of the Hyundai Elantra was unharmed and is now facing charges of DUI and vehicular assault.
Authorities closed all lanes of the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, as well as the access to the highway from 84th Avenue NE, from approximately 1:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. for cleanup and to investigate the scene. While the roadways have since reopened, the incident caused significant delays, and traffic flow was severely impacted during the closure.
Vehicle Crashes in Washington
DUI crashes are among the most preventable, yet they continue to result in life-threatening injuries and fatalities. This particular incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving, as the driver of the Hyundai Elantra was traveling in the wrong direction and caused a head-on collision that left one person in critical condition. It serves as a stark reminder that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have severe, irreversible consequences.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, and the 60-year-old suspect faces serious charges, including vehicular assault. The investigation will also include the conditions surrounding the collision and whether further factors contributed to the driver’s impaired state.
For those involved in a similar incident, it is essential to seek medical care for any injuries and consult legal experts to navigate the aftermath of the crash.
