LAKE CRESCENT — Clallam County Fire District No. 2 responded to a pair of rollover wrecks on U.S. Highway 101 at Lake Crescent in the same day, Assistant Chief Mike DeRousie said.
The first wreck was reported at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday near milepost 221 at the western tip of the lake.
Fire district personnel found an unoccupied 1985 Toyota on its side partially blocking the westbound lane, DeRousie said.
Firefighters, medics and law enforcement were unable to locate the driver.
“There was a little bit of blood showing inside of the cab, and the windshield was starred,” DeRousie said Monday.
Olympic National Park was investigating. Park spokeswoman Barb Maynes had no further information Monday.
A Clallam County sheriff’s deputy assisted rangers at the scene, Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King said.
Investigators used infrared goggles to search the woods for the missing driver, DeRousie said.
Crews contained and stopped a small gas leak before the pickup was towed, he added.
“It’s believed the truck was traveling eastbound where the driver lost control, left the road hitting a tree and flipped over, eventually landing on the passenger side of the vehicle,” DeRousie said in a news release.
The second crash occurred at 2:22 p.m. Sunday near milepost 225, about two miles west of Barnes Point.
Firefighters, emergency medical technicians and Olympic National Park rangers found a 2006 Toyota Highlander resting on its driver’s side blocking the eastbound lane and partially blocking the westbound lane, DeRousie said.
The unnamed occupants of the Toyota, a Poulsbo couple, escaped injury, DeRousie said.
“They were traveling east when their vehicle slid into some soft ground while they were executing a corner,” DeRousie said.
“The driver lost control, flipped over and slightly damaged the front of an oncoming 2014 Chrysler 300 car. Fortunately, there were no injuries.”
Clallam County Fire District No. 2 responded with two medic units, an engine and a command vehicle. Two park rangers also responded to the collision.
“Please remember the roads have been very wet and slippery in places,” DeRousie said. “Please drive with due regard to you and your family’s safety.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
