WSP reports speed was a factor
K.S. Brooks | The Independent
On Tuesday morning at approximately 10:37 a.m., Washington State Patrol (WSP) sent out notification that there had been a fatal accident on Highway 395 at milepost 197 near Jump Off Road south of Chewelah which blocked the highway in both directions. Traffic was rerouted via highways 292 and 231 and Bulldog Road. The accident occurred at 9:59 a.m.
WSP reports that a white 2006 Chevy Silverado truck heading southbound crossed the center line and struck a 2020 Nissan van driven by 63-year-old James Palumbo of Rathdrum, ID. Palumbo’s vehicle ended up in the ditch, and he was taken via Lifeflight to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. The passenger of the Silverado, May Lindal, 46, was also flown to Sacred Heart. The driver of the pickup was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the identity of the 52-year-old Poulsbo man has not yet been released, pending notification of the next of kin.
Both vehicles are reported as being totalled, and the cause of the accident is listed as “speed, center line.” It is unknown as to whether alcohol or drugs were involved. Neither person in the pickup was wearing a seatbelt.