Victims of rollover accident released from hospitals

SEATTLE — All five victims injured in a rollover accident that shut down State Route 3 on March 19 are recovering and have been released from the hospital.

The last victim was listed in satisfactory condition at Harborview Medical Center Monday afternoon and was later released.

The wreck occured at about 12:30 p.m., March 19. The 1972 Ford Econoline motorhome was southbound on Highway 3 when its rear wheels fell off and the van rolled into the grassy median. The Washington State Patrol is wrapping up its investigation of the crash and investigators believe a snapped rear axle caused the van to roll over, Trooper Krista Hedstrom said Thursday.

Investigators aren’t sure how many of the family members were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. Hedstrom said a bench seat in the van came unbolted during the wreck and was ejected from the vehicle.

A 10-year-old girl and a her 9-year-old brother, were airlifted to Harborview Friday afternoon.

The girl suffered a fractured hip, while the boy suffered internal injuries.

The parents, a 39-year-old man and 35-year-old woman, were both taken to Harrison Medical Center, as was their 4-year-old son. The 4-year-old had been restrained in a child car seat, Hedstrom said.

The five passengers recently moved from Klamath Falls, Ore., to Poulsbo, said Jody Matson, a spokeswoman with the Poulsbo Fire Department.

The accident left a considerable amount of household items — including clothing and toys — scattered more than 100 feet along the highway median.

The highway was shut down for several hours the victims were evacuated and the debris was collected.

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