At 9:20 am February 16, traffic slowed to a stop on Hwy 101 at milepost 72 when an accident left a log truck on its side.
Starla M. McDonald, a 59 year old Enumclaw woman was going Northbound in a maroon 2004 Suburban when she attempted to pass a loaded Purple 1999 Kenworth log truck driven by Monty E. Hamlin, a 53 year old Raymond man.
Sebastian P. Churchel, a 22 year old McCleary man, driving a black 1996 Mazda pickup traveling Southbound on Hwy 101 braked trying to avoid the Suburban. He lost control of the pickup and struck the front driver's side of the log truck, spun and came to rest in the Southbound ditch.
Hamlin swerved to the right trying to avoid the pickup and lost control after being struck. The log truck moved to the left continuing off the Southbound shoulder.
The log truck rolled onto the drivers side loosing its load of logs.
According to the Washington State Patrol there was no drugs or alcohol involved and all three involved where wearing seat belts.
Churchel is listed as being injured but refused transportation to the hospital. The Mazda pickup was totaled and impounded to Aberdeen Auto Wreckers.
Hamlin was injured and transported by aid to the community hospital. The log truck was totaled and towed by Nisqually Towing to the company yard.
McDonald was not injured and the Suburban suffered no damage. It was driven from the scene. Unsafe Passing charges against McDonald are currently pending.