One injured in crash on state Highway 14

One driver was hurt Tuesday afternoon when a tractor-trailer crashed into the back of his SUV on state Highway 14 in Vancouver.

According to the Washington State Patrol, Camas’ Robert W. Stevens, 46, and Vancouver’s Casey M. Malasig, 38, were in separate vehicles heading east on Highway 14 around 5:20 p.m.

They slowed and stopped for heavy traffic ahead, the state patrol said, but the driver of a tractor-trailer behind them did not stop in time.

Cosme A. Hernandez, 56, of Prosser, collided with Stevens’ SUV, which in turn struck Malasig’s pickup.

The crash totaled Stevens’ vehicle, and he was taken to PeaceHeath Southwest Medical Center for his injuries. His condition was unavailable Tuesday evening.

Hernandez and Malasig were unhurt, the state patrol said.

Troopers said excessive speed, an unsafe lane change and following too closely on Hernandez’s part led to the crash, and he was cited for second-degree negligent driving.