A head-on collision on Friday resulted in the death of a 42-year-old man from Okanogan County. The incident occurred on Highway 2, approximately one mile south of Orondo.
According to the State Patrol, the fatal accident took place around 2:40 p.m. Friday when the driver, operating a 2022 Toyota 4Runner, made an ill-fated decision to pass another eastbound vehicle. That resulted in the 4Runner colliding head-on with a 2022 Freightliner semi truck traveling in the opposite direction. Remarkably, the driver of the semi truck emerged unharmed from the crash, escaping the incident without sustaining any injuries. The collision also created a significant fuel spill from the semi, prompting the intervention of emergency services.
The 42-year-old driver of the Toyota 4Runner was pronounced dead at the scene. While authorities have identified him as a resident of Methow, his name has not been released, pending the notification of next of kin. The State Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident. Orondo Fire responded with nine firefighters and four apparatus as well as four EMS from Ballard Ambulance.
