COVINGTON, Wash. — All eastbound lanes of state Route 18 in Covington are blocked Monday afternoon due to a fatal crash involving two vehicles.
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), one person was killed and two people were injured in the crash that happened in the eastbound lanes near the Southeast 256th Street exit around 3:30 p.m.
According to WSP, all lanes of SR 18 in Covington were shut down for the arrival of a LifeFlight helicopter around 4 p.m. The closure has caused traffic backups of about four miles, according to the Washington Department of Transportation.
WSP Trooper Rick Johnson announced on social media that the causing driver crossed onto the eastbound lanes and hit another car traveling eastbound. Both drivers were life-flighted to a nearby hospital, but the driver of the car that was hit passed away.
Investigations are still working to determine if impairment was a factor in the crash.
WSP urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes. There is no estimated time for SR 18 to reopen.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.