DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wash. — Four people have died and several others were injured after a car crashed into a bus near Wenatchee on Sunday.
According to Washington State Patrol (WSP), around 1:28 p.m., a car driven by a 17-year-old was heading westbound on SR 28 near Voltage when it tried to pass another car. While going around the other vehicle, the first hit a charter bus travelling in the opposite lane. The impact sent them crashing into the vehicle they were initially trying to pass, according to WSP.
The bus wound up in a ditch and the other two cars were blocking the westbound lane.
The two people in the first vehicle, both 17-year-olds from East Wenatchee, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two people in the bus were killed, including the driver, who was identified as a 66-year-old man from Spokane. The other person died at the hospital. They have only been identified as a passenger on the bus.
It’s not immediately clear where the charter bus was headed, but many of the passengers were from Spokane and ranged in age from 18 to 84.
The third vehicle, which the first tried to pass, had a 6-year-old and 8-year-old as passengers. None appeared injured.
WSP closed the road in both directions and announced SR-97 and SR-2 as detour for several hours.
In a statement to KIRO 7, Northwestern Stage Lines said:
“It is with deep sorrow that Northwestern Stage Lines confirms that one of our buses was involved in a tragic accident on Sunday, Feb. 9th, 2025 around 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event. This accident took place on our scheduled route between Seattle to Spokane, with the accident happening on a 2 lane road east of Wenatchee. There were approximately 20 passengers on the bus at the time of the accident.
As we have been cooperating fully with authorities during the investigation of the incident, we have learned that an unknown vehicle attempted an unsafe pass while traveling at an excessive speed. This led the vehicle to collide head-on with our bus, causing the three confirmed fatalities and six injuries. Sadly, our talented and dedicated driver was among the fatalities, as well as the 2 individuals in the car. We have and will continue to work closely with the Washington State Troopers and WSDOT as we seek to understand additional details regarding this tragic event.
The safety and well-being of our passengers, employees, and the communities we serve remains our top priority.”
This story is developing and will be updated.
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