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SUNNYSIDE, Benton County, Wash., Oct. 20, 2026 — Two people were hurt Monday morning, October 19, when a car crossed into oncoming lanes on State Route 24 and set off a three-vehicle crash northeast of Sunnyside, Washington. A truck towing a trailer was also involved, the Washington State Patrol said.
Troopers said a Mercedes-Benz E-Class driven by a Richland man was headed eastbound on SR 24, about 27 miles northeast of Sunnyside, when it crossed the center skip line while changing lanes. The Mercedes struck an Audi A5 traveling westbound. The Audi was then pushed into a Kenworth truck pulling a trailer.
Both drivers involved in the initial collision, the Mercedes driver and the Audi driver, were taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center for treatment. The truck driver was not hurt.
Authorities continue reviewing the crash. We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Sunnyside, WA
This multi-vehicle crash happened on State Route 24 in Sunnyside, WA. We cover crashes across Benton County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Benton County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are multi-vehicle crashes harder to investigate than single-car wrecks?
Investigators have to work out the order of impacts and how each driver's actions contributed, often using vehicle damage, skid marks and witness accounts from several directions at once.
What typically causes chain-reaction crashes like this one?
Many start when one vehicle drifts out of its lane or crosses a center line into oncoming or adjacent traffic, triggering a second or third impact before anyone can react.
Is there anything drivers can do if they see a crash forming ahead of them?
Leaving extra following distance, slowing down in poor visibility, and watching for vehicles drifting across a center line can give a driver more time to brake or steer clear.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Sunnyside, WA
If you're involved in a crash with more than one other vehicle, start by checking yourself and others for injuries and calling 911 if anyone needs help. Move to a safe spot off the roadway if your vehicle is drivable, and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries from a collision don't show symptoms right away. Exchange information with every driver involved, take photos of the scene and vehicle positions, and request a copy of the official crash report once it's available. If a citation or charge comes out of the crash, keep records of any medical visits and repair estimates for your own files.
