Wednesday collision in Clinton closes highway lanes

January 7, 2017 4:00 pm
Kyle Jensen / The Record Deputy Chief Jon Beck salts southbound Highway 525 after firefighters had to hose down the hood of the Hyundai Elantra, pictured. The water froze shortly after putting out the small flames. It was in the upper ’20s at the time of the wreck.
Kyle Jensen / The Record Deputy Chief Jon Beck salts southbound Highway 525 after firefighters had to hose down the hood of the Hyundai Elantra, pictured. The water froze shortly after putting out the small flames. It was in the upper ’20s at the time of the wreck.

A fender bender on Highway 525 and Campbell Road Wednesday afternoon was more complicated than usual for firefighters, with the involvement of fire and ice.

After the collision, smoke began to emanate from under the hood of an involved vehicle. South Whidbey Fire/EMS firefighters had to hose down small flames on the scene. It was so cold, the water from the hose quickly froze and required officials from the fire department and department of transportation to salt the roads.

“Our main concern was the little fire here under the hood,” Lt. Travis Zimmerman said. “We shut down the road for firefighting safety.”

The two drivers involved, two women who appeared to be in their ’20s, were not injured or transported to WhidbeyHealth, but their vehicles were heavily damaged.

The collision occurred around 3:30 p.m. when a southbound silver Hyundai Elantra rear-ended a silver Chevy Cavalier. Extensive damage was done to both vehicles, with the front of the Hyundai and rear of the Cavalier smashed. Responders said the cars looked totaled based on initial examinations.

One lane of traffic was opened up roughly 30 minutes after the crash. Both lanes were reopened within an hour.