Driver believed impaired in I-205 crash

Three people were injured, one seriously, in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 205 near Northeast 18th Street and Burton Road early Friday.

State troopers said drugs or alcohol were involved, and the driver, still hospitalized Friday night, is suspected of vehicular assault on her two passengers.

The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. when a northbound 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by April L. Delaney, 33, of Vancouver veered to the left, a Washington State Patrol bulletin said.

The car went through the median, struck a tree, continued across southbound lanes and hit a concrete barrier on the southbound right shoulder.

Delaney was transported by AMR Northwest ambulance to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center with scratches and bruises. She was listed in satisfactory condition Friday night, a nursing supervisor said.

Also in the car was Mindy A. Saunders, 30, of Portland, who was sent to PeaceHealth with multiple skull fractures. Her presence and condition at the medical center could not be confirmed Friday night.

A second passenger, Melvin W. Birgans, 30, also of Portland, went to the medical center with a head laceration, the WSP bulletin said. He was treated and released, a hospital employee said.

The crash blocked the right and center lanes of the freeway until about 6:30 a.m., according to the state Department of Transportation.

The State Patrol is still investigating the cause of the crash.

Drugs and alcohol are believed to be involved, said Trooper Ryan Tanner, an area spokesman.