UPDATE: Feb. 7, 2026 10:20 a.m.
Washington State Patrol said drugs or alcohol was involved in Friday’s fatal crash in Pasco, which resulted in the death of a 57-year old woman from Grandview.
WSP said the victim, Maria Mendoza, was driving east on I-182 near Pasco city limits when another car, driving west lost control. The 18-year-old driver drove off the roadway and rolled over the cable barrier into eastbound traffic.
The westbound driver hit Mendoza’s car and WSP said Mendoza was found dead at the scene. WSP said Mendoza’s next of kin were notified.
WSP said the crash was a DUI collision.
PASCO, Wash. — A fatal collision on eastbound Interstate 182 near milepost 12 has prompted an advisory for drivers to avoid the area.
WSP has confirmed that the next of kin has been notified following the fatality. They anticipate being on the scene for an extended period and are working to clear the area as soon as possible.
Eastbound lanes are fully blocked, and traffic is being rerouted through Exit 12. Westbound traffic is reduced to a single lane.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes, such as the eastbound 20th Ave Exit, while the investigation continues.
Article originally published Feb. 6, 2026 10:03 p.m.
