OTHELLO — An accident on Tuesday morning claimed the lives of two Othello men. The accident occurred on an icy highway near Hatton when a 1997 Honda Odyssey driven by 30-year-old Apolnario Velasquez-Ordonez, of Othello, overcorrected after losing control on the ice. The van rolled and came to rest in a field south of the highway.
Nicolas Gregorio Matias, 48, and Edvin Matias Matias, 23, both of Othello, were pronounced dead at the scene according to the Washington State Patrol. Nether were wearing a seatbelt. Another passenger was airlifted to Kadlec Hospital in Richland, and one more was transported via ambulance to Othello Community Hospital. The driver and another passenger were not injured.
The Washington State Patrol says driving too fast for conditions was the primary cause of the accident. Charges are pending against Velasques-Ordonez.
