One Person Dead In 9 Vehicle Crash On I-90 Near Ritzville - NBC Right Now/KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |

RITZVILLE, Wash. -



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RITZVILLE, Wash.- We now know the name of the driver killed in nine vehicle pileup just seven miles from Ritzville Friday afternoon.  Jean Amidon of Whitefish Montana was pronounced dead on the scene after her vehicle ran into another vehicle.  There were a total of nine vehicles involved in the fatal wreck. 

Amidon's vehicle was pinned between two other vehicles.  All three vehicles blocked all lanes on the highway.  A chain reaction followed.  Many vehicles pinned against the guardrails on the highway.  Four drivers were taken to East Adams Rural Hospital with injuries.  Others involved were not injured.  Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing. 

UPDATE: 

The Washington State Patrol says one person is dead after a 9-vehicle pileup that happened on I-90 Friday afternoon. 

It started around 12:45pm in the westbound lanes of I-90 about 7 miles east of Ritzville. Troopers say it began as a two car collision after they passed a pickup truck. One of those two cars then hit two other SUVs. Just after that, there was another crash involving three other SUVs and about 30 seconds later, two semi-trucks and a car collided at the crash site. 

Troopers say one person died in the crash, and six others were hospitalized. Those who were hospitalized are all expected to recover. 

Investigators with the Washington State Patrol are still investigating the crash.

The collision is blocking I-90 westbound about seven miles east of Ritzville. A detour is in place until about 10:30 Friday evening, but expect long delays.

We will update you as soon as we get any additional information. 

Previous Coverage:  

The Washington State Patrol now says one person has died as a result of the 9 vehicle crash on I-90 near Ritzville. Westbound lanes are still blocked.

Tow trucks are working to clear the wreckage. Motorists should expect major delays.

KHQ has a crew on scene and we will update this story as soon as we get any additional information. 

Previous Coverage:  

The Washington State Patrol now tells us the 9-vehicle collision on I-90 is NOT a fatality as originally reported. WSP now says there is one person with life threatening injuries. Both westbound lanes remain blocked. Motorists should expect major delays. 

We have a crew heading to the scene and will update you ASAP. If you are in the area and can safely take a picture, please send it to pix@khq.com