Multiple crashes slow traffic on Highway 14 in Vancouver; several hurt

Six people were hospitalized Tuesday night following a six-vehicle crash on state Highway 14 in Vancouver. It was one of two traffic incidents that occurred around the same time in the area.

The incidents — a vehicle fire and the vehicle crash — both occurred around 6:30 p.m. , according to Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency dispatch logs.

Members of the Vancouver Fire Department were on their way to the vehicle fire, in the westbound lanes near the Columbia House Boulevard exit, when they were rerouted to a six-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes near the exit to Evergreen Boulevard, agency spokesman Pete Adams said.

“We found six vehicles total,” Adams said, “three of the vehicles having significant damage.”

Six motorists were taken to hospitals, all with injuries that were not life-threatening, Adams said. 

About 20 personnel from the Vancouver Fire Department and Clark County Fire District 6 responded to the crash, remaining on scene for about 45 minutes. Emergency crews blocked all eastbound lanes as they worked, Adams said.

“There were vehicles on both sides of the road,” Adams said, “two in the median and four vehicles off to the (right) shoulder.”

The crash is under investigation by the Washington State Patrol, Adams said.