CONNELL — A Connell woman was killed and four others injured in a foggy SR-17 crash on Tuesday evening. Washington State Patrol says the accident happened around 6:40 p.m. at the intersection of Booker Rd. and State Route 17 approximately 11 miles south of Othello.
The WSP press memo says that Jessica Zarate, 37, of Connell was driving her 2018 Chevrolet Malibu southbound on Booker when it was struck by another southbound vehicle, a Toyota Tundra driven by John Reiss, 62, of Kennewick. A 2004 Nissan Sentra travelling northbound on SR-17 then also struck Zarate’s vehicle.
Three passengers in Zarate’s vehicle, including two minors, were injured and transported to Othello Community Hospital.
The driver of the Nissan, an Othello man, was also injured and transported to Othello Community Hospital.
Reiss was not injured.
The WSP press memo says that investigators believe that intoxicating substances played a role in the accident. Charges are pending against Reiss.
Zarate was pronounced dead at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt.
