Toppenish man driving in wrong lane killed in crash


Yakima Herald-Republic

GRANGER, Wash. -- A 21-year-old Toppenish man was killed early Saturday morning when his car struck another vehicle head-on about a half mile east of Granger.

The driver of the other car was injured in the accident, which took place around 1:30 a.m. on Van Belle Road, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Raul Tapia-Cardenas was driving west in the eastbound lane in his 1999 Honda Accord when he collided with a 2003 Honda Accord driven by Jesus A. Mendoza, 22, of Outlook, according to the state patrol.

A Chevrolet pickup driven by Ramon Madriz-Guizar, 23, of Outlook, then struck Mendoza’s car and a concrete barrier, according to the state patrol.

Tapia-Cardenas was taken to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead. Mendoza was also taken to Memorial. Following surgery, he was listed in good condition, according to a nursing supervisor at Memorial.

Madriz-Guizar was not injured.

All drivers were wearing seat belts, according to the state patrol. It was unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident, which remains under investigation.



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