PORT ORCHARD — A Bremerton boy lost his life when he was ejected from a vehicle Monday night on westbound State Route 16, west of the Tremont Street exit in Port Orchard.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Chelsea Hodgson said the 7-year-old boy was not properly restrained in the green 1999 Toyota Sienna minivan in which he was a passenger. The vehicle reportedly lost control as it headed westbound on the state highway.

The fatality accident, which took place at about 5:42 p.m., occurred as the minivan lost control and went off the roadway heading to the right, striking a guardrail. While the accident remains under investigation, Hodgson said WSP is looking at speed and rainy, weather conditions as being contributing factors to the crash.

The vehicle was driven by a 30-year-old man from Bremerton. Hodgson said the boy was seated on a booster seat in the third row of the minivan but was unrestrained. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Inside the vehicle was a female passenger in the front seat and four children ages 6, 8, 9 and 12 who were riding in the rear.

Westbound SR 16 was closed for about six hours while WSP troopers conducted an investigation.

Drivers are reminded to make sure their children are properly seat-belted while traveling, Hodgson said.