COVINGTON, Wash. — A 19-year-old driver crossed over the median on state Route 18 in Covington on Monday and struck another car, killing a toddler, officials say.
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the crash happened in the eastbound lanes near the Southeast 256th Street exit around 3:30 p.m.
Troopers say a 19-year-old driver from Federal Way going westbound crossed the median into the eastbound lanes and hit another car. He struck a 27-year-old mother driving with her 21-month-old toddler, WSP said.
The toddler died at the scene. Both the 27-year-old woman, who was from Kent, and the 19-year-old suspect driver was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center. Both people are in satisfactory condition as of Tuesday, according to Harborview.
"It's unfortunate," said WSP Trooper Rick Johnson. "And as a parent myself, I can't even fathom the feelings and the heartbreak."
WSP officials said drugs or alcohol were factors involved in the crash. The teen accused of causing the crash is facing DUI and vehicular homicide charges.
"It's horribly sad. And there's nothing you can say to someone when they lost their child," Johnson added.
Johnson said Monday's incident is the 30th fatal crash the state agency has recorded so far this year in King County. Last year, there were 43 fatal crashes, which does not include any deaths from other agencies in the county.
"A lot of these are preventable and should not have happened," Johnson said. "And should not have happened. And there's a reason why they did, a lot of times it's people choosing to drive impaired."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.