Single-Vehicle, Fatal Crash on S. Craig Road
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a vehicle vs. power pole collision on S, Craig Road, near W. McFarlane Road. The adult female driver was extricated from the SUV and transported to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. An adult female passenger, and a young male toddler in the rear passenger compartment, were transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Both sustained minor injuries and were treated and released.
On January 16, 2023, just before 5:00 pm, Spokane County Deputies responded to the report of a single-vehicle crash involving a power pole on S. Craig Road near McFarlane Road.
Arriving Deputies located the crash and observed a severely damaged black SUV resting on its passenger side next to a sheared-off power pole on the east side of the roadway. The power lines were hanging low to the ground and only held up by the neighboring poles.
The adult female driver and young toddler were still inside the vehicle and needed to be extricated by Spokane County Fire personnel. The adult female passenger was able to exit the SUV and advised she had head and back pain.
All three were transported to hospitals for additional care, where the driver was pronounced deceased. The two passengers received care and were later released.
Spokane County Traffic Unit members responded and began investigating what caused this fatal crash. SIRT Team volunteers also responded to assist with traffic control while Craig Road was closed in both directions, while the power pole was replaced, and the investigation continued.
Initial information indicates the SUV was traveling north on Craig Road with the driver and two passengers inside. When the driver attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone (double yellow) and appeared to complete the pass, a second vehicle traveling south on Craig appeared. The driver of the SUV lost control as she rapidly moved back into her lane of travel, lost control, left the roadway, and struck the power pole, eventually coming to rest on the passenger side.
It is not believed the vehicle that was passed, nor the vehicle going south on Craig Road was directly involved in the crash. However, neither driver has been contacted, and they may have critical witness information needed by Investigators.
Traffic Unit Corporal Jeff Welton would like to talk to the drivers and/or any possible passengers of the two vehicles as part of the continuing investigation. He asks the drivers/passengers of these vehicles, or anyone who witnessed the fatal incident, to contact him at 509-477-3237, reference #10007398.