KENT, Wash. — One person was killed and five others were injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Kent on Wednesday night.
The crash, which occurred at the intersection of Central Avenue North and Smith Street, took place at around 9:45 p.m. The road was closed into the early hours Thursday morning.
Multiple witnesses called 911 to report that some of the crash victims were trapped in their vehicles. The driver of a red Prius, identified as a 24-year-old Kent man, was unconscious inside his car with the door locked when medics arrived. He died at the scene.
Witnesses said the driver of a Tesla disregarded a red light and collided with a gray Prius in the intersection. The Tesla then collided with the red Prius which was pulling out of a restaurant parking lot. The red Prius was struck so hard it was pushed into a nearby wall.
The wall the red Prius was pushed up against was the outside of Niemen Glass, which has been in that location for 50 years. The store's general manager said he has seen a lot of issues with people speeding and running red lights at the intersection.
"We've actually had multiple cars come through our building because of the intersection and speeding," said Franko Morales, Niemen Glass general manager.
Morales said three cars have crashed into the store. The most recent time was three years ago when a car drove into their office area.
"If anybody would have been in the office at that time, there's no doubt that they would have been killed," Morales said.
Morales said he has always feared someone would die in a crash on that stretch of road, and he was devastated to hear of the deadly Wednesday night crash.
"Somebody lost their life because somebody blew through a red light," Morales said. "It's terrible, it's horrific, and it's unimaginable. Unfortunately, that tragic loss is fresh in our minds, it's absolutely terrible."
Morales said he asked the city to put up a barrier near the store, but the city did not. So they bought four 500-pound planters to put outside the store to protect it. Those planters, a utility pole, and a tree in front of the store were all destroyed in the Wednesday night crash. Morales said more needs to be done.
"We've got red light cameras here, and it doesn't matter," Morales said. "You know, it's not making a difference as far as that's concerned. And unfortunately, last night was proof."
The Kent Police Department said two of the three passengers in the Tesla had significant injuries. They were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
The 23-year-old Tesla driver was also taken to a nearby hospital and later arrested. His blood is being tested for intoxicants.
Two people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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