Head-on crash injures two, closes highway

Two people were injured in a head-on crash on Central Whidbey on the night of Oct. 19.

Two people were injured in a head-on crash on Central Whidbey on the night of Oct. 19, the Washington State Patrol reported.

A report from the State Patrol states that 25-year-old Moises Matzarcumes of Langley was driving south on Highway 525 in a 1995 Chevrolet pickup. He crossed into the northbound lane and struck an oncoming 1998 Ford vehicle driven by 43-year-old Nimrod Depaz of Langley.

Both drivers were injured and transported to WhidbeyHealth Medical Center for treatment. The State Patrol reported that Depaz was wearing a seatbelt, but it’s unknown whether Matzarcumes was also.

The accident was reported at 7:18 p.m. The state Department of Transportation issued a travel alert because both lanes of the highway were blocked for an extended period as first responders attended the scene and troopers investigated.

The State Patrol reported that Matzarcumes was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Investigators are continuing to look into the case and other charges may be filed once the severity of the other driver’s injuries are ascertained, according to a State Patrol spokesperson.