A tragic accident involving a Washington State Patrol trooper’s vehicle claimed the lives of two local residents on Highway 101 near Shelton, Washington.
The accident happened as the trooper was responding to a car fire emergency with lights and sirens activated, cutting across the path of a Toyota Prius at the intersection.
The deceased, identified as Charles Ferree, 72, and Deolia Blandford, 49, both residents of Olalla, Washington, were declared dead at the site of the accident. The trooper, who remains unnamed due to ongoing investigation protocols, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for precautionary reasons.
According to Deputy Matt Colbenson of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, “The trooper was responding southbound with emergency protocols in effect when the unfortunate collision occurred at the intersection.” Eyewitnesses reported that the Prius was making a left turn across traffic lanes when the patrol car struck it.
This particular intersection, notorious for its heavy traffic and complicated navigation, has been the location of prior incidents, leading to ongoing community concerns about road safety and calls for improved traffic controls. Highway 101 was shut down for several hours after the collision, causing traffic disruptions into the evening, and local authorities advised drivers to find alternative routes.
The investigation into the accident is being led by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, with the state patrol taking a secondary role due to the involvement of one of their own. While expressing condolences, a spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol refrained from further comment until the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
The local community has reacted with shock and grief. Resident and eyewitness, Michael Johnston, stated, “It’s heartbreaking to see such a tragic event in our community. My thoughts are with the families of those lost.”
The incident has sparked renewed conversations among local leaders and residents regarding the safety of emergency response procedures and the structure of road intersections to prevent such incidents in the future.
