Update: Victims of Richland’s 2 fatal crashes are identified. Both were passengers
Two passengers died in separate head-on crashes about 45 minutes apart Thursday morning in Richland.
Benedict J. Biegler, 56, of Yakima, was riding in a pickup that was heading east on Highway 240 when he was killed, the Washington State Patrol said in a memo.
Victor L. Groves, 50, of Outlook, was the driver of the truck that crossed the center line about 6:10 a.m. just outside the city limits near the Horn Rapids Golf Course.
The pickup hit a Ford Focus head-on, said WSP Trooper Chris Thorson.
Then, a Mercedes E-Class, also heading west, collided with the pickup and car.
Biegler died at the scene. Groves, as well as the driver of the Focus, Charlette J. Burghard, 25, of Richland, were in critical condition and taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.
Driver of the Mercedes, Leiah E. Peale, 57, of Kennewick, was taken to Trios Southridge Hospital in serious condition.
A third passenger in the truck, Jamie L. Bossert, 42, of Moxee, was taken to Trios Southridge Hospital. His condition was not immediately known.
Investigators haven’t determined why the driver crossed into oncoming traffic on the narrow highway known as the Hanford highway.
Second crash
A second crash, also involving a pickup truck and a car, happened just before 7 a.m. near the intersection of George Washington Way and Comstock Street, said Richland police Commander Jon Schwarder.
A truck and sedan collided, killing Ernesto Moreno, 26, who was a passenger in the sedan.
Benton County Coroner Bill Leach said Moreno was originally from Walla Walla, but it wasn’t immediately known where he was currently living. An autopsy is planned for Friday.
Initial reports were that the pickup truck was heading north on George Washington Way and the sedan was heading south when the sedan crossed into the northbound lanes.
The names of drivers were not released on Thursday.
Firefighters had to cut open at least one of the vehicles to get people out, according to dispatch reports. One other person was hurt in the crash.
This story was originally published February 10, 2022 at 9:12 AM.