2 hurt in wrong-way crash in Queensgate roundabout

A Richland man is facing negligent driving charges after driving the wrong way in the Queensgate roundabout and crashing into an oncoming SUV.

The crash happened just before 6 p.m. Saturday when Thomas L. Bright, 50, was approaching the roundabout southbound from Queensgate Drive to Interstate 182, said the Washington State Patrol.

The SUV driver Emily M. Hart, 33, of Connell was already in the roundabout when Bright hit her going the wrong way.

She was hurt and taken to to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland and later released. Her 6- and 8-year-old passengers were not hurt. All were wearing seat belts, said WSP.

Bright, who was driving a Ford 150 truck, also was taken to Kadlec to be checked.

The two new roundabouts opened at the end of August. The $5 million project widened Queensgate, added bike and pedestrian amenities and created roundabouts at the freeway and at Columbia Park Trail.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify that Bright was driving a Ford 150. Incorrect information was supplied in the original accident report.

This story was originally published November 19, 2018 at 11:26 AM.