Driver hits 2 teens on bikes at busy George Washington Way intersection in Richland

A car hit two teens crossing a busy Richland intersection early Wednesday, leaving both hurt.

The two were riding bicycles as they crossed George Washington Way at the McMurray Street intersection about 6:45 a.m., according to emergency dispatch reports.

The driver remained at the scene but it’s unclear who was at fault. The Richland Police Department had released no information by Thursday afternoon about the collision, the driver or what happened to the teens.

There are unconfirmed reports that the two were seventh-grade students at Chief Joseph Middle School.

A parent of one of the students said neither of the children were seriously injured.

It was reportedly the second time a bicycle rider has been hit at the intersection in less than a year.

The corner also was the site of a crash in late 2022 when a 14-year-old was hit crossing George Washington Way in the crosswalk.

The teen in that case was on his way home from Chief Joseph Middle School when a silver-gray SUV hit him. The driver fled and was never arrested.

The intersection is at the corner near the shopping plaza that includes a Safeway and Starbucks, with fast food restaurants on three of the four corners.

After the 2022 crash, several people voiced their concerns at a Richland City Council meeting.

City officials have not said if there are any plans for improvements at the intersection.

This story was originally published May 2, 2024 at 10:35 AM.