Street View of US Highway 2/97 near Orondo in Douglas County, Washington, where the fatal head-on crash occurred. Source: Google Maps.
KEY DETAILS
DATE & TIME
Sunday, August 31, 2026, around 9:39 p.m.
LOCATION
US Highway 2/97 near Orondo, Douglas County, WA
VICTIM
Five people killed: a 77-year-old woman from Omak and four men, with no survivors reported
ROAD CLOSURES
US Highway 2/97 was closed in both directions for about two hours during the investigation
INVESTIGATION
Washington State Patrol investigation into the crash and suspected impairment remains active
Five people were killed late Sunday night when a suspected drunk driver crossed into oncoming traffic on U.S. Highway 2 near Orondo, north of East Wenatchee, Washington. A westbound 2014 Nissan Maxima carrying four men veered into the eastbound lanes and slammed head-on into a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic driven by a 77-year-old Omak woman. All five occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. The Washington State Patrol shut down the highway for roughly two hours while troopers investigated, citing improper lane usage and suspected impairment as contributing factors.
According to KING5.com, troopers responded to the crash near milepost 137 shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday and found no survivors among the five victims. KOMO News reported that the Nissan driver is believed to have been impaired at the time of the crash, though the Washington State Patrol had not confirmed which substances were involved. Investigators said two of the Maxima’s passengers were not wearing seat belts. The Washington State Patrol’s investigation into the fatal collision remains active.
X
KING5
@KING5Seattle · Aug 31, 2026
5 dead after suspected DUI crash on SR 2 near Wenatchee
Washington makes it a crime to drive with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or any drug. When a suspected impaired driver crosses the center line and causes a fatal collision, this statute is the basis both for criminal charges and for establishing negligence per se in a wrongful death claim. Investigators cited possible impairment as a factor in this crash.
Washington’s wrongful death statute allows a personal representative of the estate to bring a claim on behalf of a deceased victim’s spouse, children, or other dependents for losses caused by another party’s negligence. With five people killed in this collision, the families of each victim may have an independent right to pursue compensation under this law. Claims typically address lost financial support, medical and funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
This summary is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its specific facts.
How Beverly Law Can Help
If you lost a loved one in this accident, our attorneys can help you understand your options. Free consultation, English & Spanish, and no fee unless we win.
Editorial note: Beverly Law publishes accident reports as a public service, based on information from official traffic authorities, local news outlets, and public records. If you are a family member of the victim and would like information added, corrected, or removed, please contact our editorial team: intakeassistant5@beverlylaw.org
We’ll request the official CHP/police collision report for you at no cost. Fill this out and we’ll contact you as soon as it’s ready.
Orondo Car Accident Lawyer & Truck Accident Attorney — Beverly Law
Injured in a crash in Orondo? Our accident lawyers deal with the insurance companies and fight for full compensation — free consultation, no fee unless we win.
✓Free consultation✓No fee unless we win✓English y Español✓Available 24/7
A car accident lawyer in Orondo — or a truck accident attorney in Orondo for big-rig and commercial-vehicle crashes — can protect your rights, obtain the police report and medical records, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Beverly Law handles car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, rideshare and DUI-victim cases in Orondo and throughout North Central Washington.
