Driver dies in 3rd fatal crash on I-82 west of Tri-Cities in 24 hours. Wildfire sparked

A third person has died this week in a crash along a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 82 west of the Tri-Cities.

About 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Joel A. Flores, 45, of Sunnyside, was driving west on the interstate about two miles past Sunnyside.

His Jeep Grand Cherokee left the roadway to the right and rolled, landing back on its wheels, according to the Washington State Patrol.

He died before he could be taken to a hospital, said the WSP. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

The crash sparked a wildfire, causing traffic delays on the highway. It was one of several fires in Eastern Washington on Tuesday afternoon and evening that were spread by gusty winds.

Also on Tuesday, Sean D. Orrin, 33, of Kennewick was driving an SUV that hit a two-door Honda parked along the shoulder of Interstate 82 near Zillah about 7:30 a.m., according to the WSP.

The driver of the disabled Honda was sitting in his car without his seatbelt on. Jorge Ochoa, 36, of Toppenish, died.

The third fatal crash was about 8:15 p.m. Monday.

Wyatt D. Collins, 20, of Toppenish, died after the motorcycle he was driving on the interstate about four miles east of Prosser crashed into one semi truck and trailer he was trying to pass and then hit a second truck.

This story was originally published June 12, 2024 at 10:37 AM.