Washougal man still critical after car wreck
Originally published May 23, 2011 at 7:18 a.m., updated May 23, 2011 at 6:49 p.m.
A Washougal man remained in critical condition Monday with injuries suffered in a one-car accident on state Highway 14 on Saturday afternoon.
Bryan McElroy, 40, suffered blunt force trauma, the Washington State Patrol said in a press release. He was taken from the accident scene about 4 p.m. by Life Flight helicopter .
A Southwest Washington Medical Center official said McElroy’s condition is critical.
Three passengers were hurt, none seriously.
McElroy was westbound on Highway 14 about 10.5 miles east of Washougal, according to the state patrol.
The patrol said the 1999 Ford Explorer that McElroy was driving veered onto the highway shoulder, returned to the westbound lane and then crossed the center line. The SUV then returned to the westbound shoulder and entered a drainage ditch, striking a culvert and spinning onto a private drive. McElroy, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected, the release said.
Passengers Nicholas J. McElroy, 15, of Washougal; Jonathan S. McDowell; 16, of Washougal; and Joseph E. Miller, 53, of Camas all were treated and released from Southwest. The three were wearing seat belts, the patrol said.
The cause is still under investigation.
