BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Details have been released from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) investigation into the multivehicle crash near the intersection of Guide Meridian and Kelly Road that occurred about 7:30pm yesterday, Wednesday June 21st.
According to a WSP press memo, A black 2001 Mercedes CL coupe was northbound in the southbound lanes of the Guide Meridian approaching Kelly Road. A southbound silver 2019 GMC Sierra pickup swerved to avoid colliding with the Mercedes but was sideswiped. The Mercedes then crashed head-on with a southbound white 2013 Kia Optima sedan and continued northbound crashing into a gray 2007 Nissan Maxima sedan.
The GMC and Nissan came to rest in a ditch and the Mercedes caught fire following the crashes.
The WSP investigation determined Aaron W Dexter, age 45 and from Blaine, was driving the Mercedes and had a 10-year-old passenger. They, along with a 20-year-old passenger in the Nissan, were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle due to the severity of their injuries.
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Click for more informationThe drivers of the other vehicles along with a 3-year-old passenger from the Kia were transported from the scene by emergency vehicles to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center.
While investigators were able to determine all other drivers and passengers had been wearing seatbelts at the time of the crashes, it was unknown whether Dexter had been.
Drugs or alcohol were determined to have played a role in the cause of the crashes and charges against Dexter are pending.
The Guide was closed in both directions between Smith and Kline Roads until about 11pm following the crashes.