Troopers Respond to 5 Car Fatality Crash on SR20 Near Jones Road

Oak Harbor, WA- The Washington State Patrol responded to a five vehicle crash on State Route 20 near Jones Road.

According to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol, 82 year old Franz Pfister of Oak Harbor was Southbound State Route 20 in a Gold 2005 Toyota Corolla in lane two of two. The press memo states he was  attempting to pass a 2014 Freightliner with double trailers, driven by 57 year old,  Fred Linton of Tacoma.  

The press memo states as the Toyota Corolla passed the semi truck it  struck the Freightliner, causing the Corolla to go Southbound in the Northbound Lanes where it struck a red 1996 Chevy S10 Pickup head-on. The Pickup was driven by 80 year old Martin Van Rensum of Oak Harbor.   The S10 Pickup then struck a white  1997 Toyota Pickup driven by 88 year old Bernard Langdon of Burlington.  

The Causing drivers vehicle then struck a black 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, driven by Tamara Snyder of Oak Harbor. 

The driver of the Toyota Corolla was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin was notified by the Island County Coroners Office.

The Driver of the Freightliner was not injured and although the semi sustained reportable damages, it  was driven from the scene.

The Driver of the S10 pickup was injured and transported to Whidbey General Hospital. His vehicle was towed by Christians Towing.

The driver of the Toyota Pickup was injured and Transported to Whidbey General Hospital. His condition is unknown.

The driver of the Volkswagen Rabbit was transported to Island County Hospital. Her condition is unknown.

The press memo states it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.  All drivers wore their seat belts.

The cause of the crash is under investigation but charges are not pending as the causing driver is deceased.