On Saturday evening, a chain-reaction crash involving six vehicles—three of them semi-trucks—occurred on Highway 395 in Benton County. According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash happened around 6:30 p.m. during a severe dust storm.
The pileup reportedly began when a semi-truck struck the rear of another semi. A Ford van driven by Andrew E. Thomas, 29, of Spokane, then collided with the second truck. The chain reaction continued as a GMC Yukon carrying a family of four, driven by Katelyn Croisetiere of Absarokee, Montana, struck Thomas’s van. That vehicle was then hit by a third semi. A sixth vehicle, a Chrysler Town and Country driven by 83-year-old Marita J. Little of Spokane, also became involved. She was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where she was listed in satisfactory condition.
When several commercial trucks are involved in a high-speed pileup, even poor weather doesn’t fully explain how things went wrong. Investigators will need to take a closer look at how each vehicle was being operated at the time.
Were the Trucks Driving Too Fast for Conditions?
While the area was experiencing high winds and blowing dust, law enforcement noted that drivers were traveling too fast for the conditions. That’s a key consideration in commercial vehicle crashes. Professional drivers are trained to adjust their speed when visibility drops, even if that means slowing significantly below the posted limit. In my experience, when multiple semi-trucks are involved in a chain reaction like this, investigators often examine whether the lead truck suddenly stopped or whether the following trucks failed to maintain enough distance to stop safely in time.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Contributed?
In poor visibility, a momentary lapse in attention can have serious consequences, especially when several large trucks are in close proximity. Investigators may look into how long each truck driver had been on the road before the crash and whether any of them might have been distracted or fatigued. It's also worth considering whether any in-cab systems, such as mobile devices or communication equipment, might have diverted a driver’s attention at a critical moment.
Should Mechanical Failure Be Considered?
Whenever a semi-truck fails to stop in time or strikes another vehicle in low-visibility conditions, mechanical issues like worn brake pads or underperforming tires should be reviewed. A truck that appears to be traveling at a reasonable speed could still cause serious damage if its braking system doesn’t function properly. Investigators will likely examine the condition of each vehicle involved and check maintenance records to rule out any defects or component failures.
What Information Is Needed to Understand What Happened?
To get a complete picture of how the crash unfolded, investigators will need to analyze several types of evidence. Engine Control Modules (ECMs) from each semi-truck can provide data on speed, throttle, and brake usage in the moments before impact. Skid marks and damage patterns may help reconstruct the sequence of collisions. Witness statements and any available dashcam footage could also shed light on how quickly the dust storm developed and how each driver responded.
How a Detailed Investigation Can Provide Answers
Dust storms can happen quickly, but commercial drivers still have a duty to respond to changing conditions with caution. In a multi-vehicle crash like this, especially one involving fatalities and several semis, it’s not enough to chalk it up to the weather. A full investigation can help determine whether any of the truck drivers failed to adjust their speed, maintain safe distances, or operate their vehicles responsibly. In my view, those answers are essential for those affected by the crash.