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Spokane Co., WA (April 16, 2026) – One person died and four others were hurt in a three-car crash on State Route 27 near Washington Road in Spokane County. The collision took place on Sunday, April 12, late at night.
A car heading north on SR-27 crossed the centerline and struck one of two southbound vehicles head-on. After the initial impact, the northbound car continued toward the southbound shoulder, where it was hit by the second southbound vehicle.
The person who died was pronounced dead at the hospital. Four others involved in the crash were injured, though the severity of those injuries was not specified. Neither drugs nor alcohol were identified as factors in the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision, and more details will be released as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the person killed.
What Makes Head-On Crashes on Washington State Routes So Dangerous?
Head-on collisions are among the deadliest crash types on any road, and rural state routes in Washington see more than their share. When a vehicle crosses the centerline on a two-lane highway, the combined speed of both vehicles dramatically increases the force of impact. At highway speeds, even a brief drift across the center stripe can leave drivers in the opposing lane with almost no time to react.
SR-27 runs through largely rural terrain in Spokane County, where roads are often narrow and shoulders are limited. These conditions leave little room for evasive action when a vehicle enters the wrong lane. Multi-vehicle crashes at night on unlit stretches of road tend to be especially severe, as reduced visibility makes it harder for nearby drivers to avoid a chain of collisions.
