Authorities reported that Lela Belback, 31, of Colville, was driving a 2008 Toyota Sienna westbound on Hall Road when she attempted to cross US 395 to Arden Hill Road and ended up in the path of a 2011 Chevy Colorado traveling on the highway
Colville, WA – Ronald Lecaire, 76, was among several people who were injured in a car collision involving two vehicles on US 395 near Colville in Stevens County on Saturday morning
According to a report by the Washington State Patrol, the incident took place near Hall Road and Arden Hill Road, about five miles south of Colville just before 9:45 a.m. on January 24.
Authorities reported that Lela Belback, 31, of Colville, was driving a 2008 Toyota Sienna westbound on Hall Road when she attempted to cross US 395 to Arden Hill Road and ended up in the path of a 2011 Chevy Colorado traveling on the highway.
Belback failed to yield and her Toyota was struck on the right side by the Chevy, which was driven by Lecaire.
The Washington State Patrol troopers and emergency crews responded to the scene shortly after and assisted at the involved parties.
A 9-month-old boy in the Toyota was transported to Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville, before being airlifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. The child was listed in critical condition.
A 3-year-old boy was transported to Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville while two 12-year-old girls were taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. A 13-year-old boy was transported to Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville. The children were reportedly in serious condition.
Lecaire was also transported to Mount Carmel Hospital while Belback was not harmed in the incident.
The WSP report indicates that alcohol and drugs were not believed to have played a role in the accident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Fatalities due to traffic colisions in Stevens County avaraged 6 in the years between 2021 and 2023. The numbers have been constantly increasing yearly until the peak in 2023, when the county recorded 8 fatalities. Most fatal accidents occurred on state routes, especially US 395, which is regarded as the deadliest in Stevens County. This has majorly been attributed to numerous curved sections and high traffic volume that cause drivers to drift into oncoming lanes. According to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) data, state routes contributed to 28% of the fatalities recorded statewide in 2023. Other driver errors including speed, distracted driving, and drinking under the influence also continue to play a key role in these accidents, stressing the need for more sensitization to ensure drivers adhere to the set laws and keep road users safe.
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