Four trucks are involved in crash

RITZVILLE – A collision involving four trucks on an icy Interstate 90 prompted the closure eastbound traffic Wednesday, Nov. 29, near Danekas Road

According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash occurred about 5:46 a.m. two miles east of the city.

The drivers involved in the crash are Merhawi M. Gebremedhin, 30, of Kent; Victor J. Birrueta Mendoza, 31, of Moses Lake; Richard C. Chandler, 60, of rural Spokane County; and Justin C. Mostek, 46, of Spokane Valley.

Gebremedhin was charged with negligent driving for failing to reduce speed in the icy conditions, the patrol reported.

Chandler was injured and transported to a Spokane hospital, the patrol said. His passenger, Bradly R. Bothun, 27, of Cheney, was not injured.

The crash occurred near eastbound Milepost 224, when Gebremedhin attempted to pass Mendoza, the patrol reported. Gebremedhin lost control of his 2016 Volvo truck and 2012 Wabash trailer and Med, sideswiped Mendoza's 2023 Peterbilt truck and 2000 trailer, the patrol said.

Gebremedhin's truck jackknifed, with his trailer blocking the fast lane, the patrol said. Mendoza's truck came to rest on the right shoulder.

Chandler was unable to avoid the trailer on the highway, the patrol said. His 2023 International truck and double trailers – a 2007 Hyundai VP22 and a 2008 Hyndai VP 22 – impacted the first trailer, the patrol reported.

Mostek was unable to stop his 2016 Kenworth truck and 2023 trailer and slid into the median, with his truck blocking the rest of the eastbound interstate, the patrol said.

The incident prompted the state Department of Transportation to close the interstate for several hours.

During the investigation and cleanup, traffic was detoured around the crash scene via Danekas Road.

Interstate 90 reopened later Thursday.