February 12, 2001

01-11-01

(NORTHEAST OF POULSBO, Kitsap County) -- Traffic was rerouted around the intersection of Port Gamble-Suquamish and Gunderson Roads, and two patients were taken to local hospitals following a near head-on collision here this afternoon.

North Kitsap Fire & Rescue crews were called to the scene shortly before 4:00pm. First-arriving crews found two severely-damaged vehicles -- an older Ford Ranchero and a newer Nissan pick-up -- blocking one lane of travel along Gunderson Road. Two bystanders were directing traffic. Because of the seriousness of the crash, crews requested an additional unit from Poulsbo Fire Department.

The driver of the Ranchero, a 16 year-old male, told crews he'd been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was taken by Poulsbo medics to Naval Regional Medical Center with possible abdominal injuries. The passenger in the Ranchero, an adult male, refused medical treatment.

The driver and sole occupant of the Nissan, a 64 year-old male, was taken by aid crews to Harrison Memorial Hospital with possible neck and head injuries.