3 killed, 1 injured in head-on crash on US 2 near Monroe

Washington State Patrol investigating if drugs or alcohol were factors in the deadly collision

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of twisted car debris, including shattered glass and mangled metal, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the devastation of a fatal head-on crash.The aftermath of a deadly head-on collision on a major highway exposes the grim reality of reckless driving.Monroe Today

A head-on collision on U.S. Highway 2 near Monroe, Washington left three people dead and one person injured early Saturday morning. According to the Washington State Patrol, a westbound driver entered the oncoming eastbound lanes to pass another vehicle, resulting in the fatal crash.

Why it matters

Head-on collisions are among the most deadly types of car accidents, often resulting in multiple fatalities. This incident on a major highway raises concerns about driver safety and the need for continued education and enforcement around safe passing and impaired driving.

The details

The crash occurred around 12:15 a.m. on U.S. Highway 2 near Monroe. A westbound vehicle entered the eastbound lanes to pass another car and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. Both drivers and a passenger in the eastbound car were killed at the scene. A passenger in the westbound vehicle was injured and transported to a local hospital.

  • The crash occurred around 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Washington State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency investigating the deadly crash.

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What’s next

Troopers are still investigating the crash and have not yet determined if drugs or alcohol were factors.

The takeaway

This tragic head-on collision on a major highway underscores the importance of safe driving practices, including never passing in no-passing zones or while impaired. The investigation will provide more details on the cause, but the loss of three lives is a sobering reminder of the deadly consequences of reckless driving.