RENTON, Wash. — Four people died and three others were critically injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Renton on Tuesday. An eighth person suffered minor injuries.
The crash involving four vehicles happened around 12:45 p.m. in the 19200 block of 140th Avenue SE on Tuesday, according to fire officials.
Speed seems to have played a factor in the collision, the King County Sheriff's Office said, based on its initial investigation. The intersection was closed until just before 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
“Well, first of all, I would say – the first message is to hug your loved ones – and secondly, just make sure that when you are out and about – you’re very careful of your surroundings as you’re driving," said Pat Pawlak, Puget Sound division fire chief.
Puget Sound Fire, the Renton Regional Fire Authority and King County Medic One all responded to the crash to provide aid to those injured.
This was called a mass casualty incident, due to the number of patients and resources needed, Puget Sound Fire officials said.
"That’s really sad, yeah," said Karim Abdalla, a man who lives nearby.
Neighbors described 192nd Street and 140th Avenue as a main thoroughfare, including for commuters.
"It's a pretty busy intersection in that people are taking fast left turns and running red lights, and that kind of thing," said Katie Beck, a woman who also lives near the crash. "(Forty-five miles per hour is) pretty fast, and then you add people going 70, 80, ya know, it’s just terrifying, really.”
Beck stood outside of her home to observe the crash scene for several minutes Tuesday afternoon. She shared her shock to hear just how many people died in this crash.
Abdalla also said, "I was shocked when I learned four people... that’s a lot. So it’s-- it’s a really, really big accident, you know? I believe we’re gonna just like stay and remember that for a long time, yeah, in this area especially."
A King County Sheriff's Department spokesperson said the preliminary investigation suggests speed was a factor.
According to WSDOT data, this is the first serious car collision at this intersection in 2024, though two other crashes have occurred there.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reported 809 traffic fatalities last year in the state of Washington. However, they are still collecting data, so the total could rise.
If the total number of deaths climbs over 825, 2023 will be the year with the highest number of traffic fatality deaths since 1981.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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