According to a Washington State Patrol press memo, 45-year-old Misty D. Jones of Ocean City was killed in a collision with a Grays Harbor County Transit (GHT) bus near Hogans Corner just outside Ocean Shores early Sunday evening.
Four people were aboard the bus, including the driver. Kelsey Hackett, the bus driver, and passenger Douglas Wyeth were injured in the crash and transported to Harbor Regional Health in Aberdeen.
The press memo stated that Jones was heading northbound on state Route 109 just north of state Route 115 in a silver 2002 Ford Expedition SUV and crossed into the southbound lane and struck the transit bus. The Expedition came to rest in the middle of state Route 109 completely blocking the roadway, while the bus ended up in the southbound ditch.
It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were involved and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
Grays Harbor Transit issued the following statement Monday morning:
“A Grays Harbor Transit bus was struck by another vehicle that crossed into opposing traffic on October 18 at approximately 6:17 p.m. at Hogans Corner on SR 109 near milepost 17 and the intersection with SR 115. Three passengers were onboard the bus at the time of the collision. One passenger and the GHT vehicle operator were transported to Harbor Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The bus driver is continuing to receive evaluation and care. GHT does not have information about the injured passenger at this time.
“Grays Harbor Transit appreciates the fast response from Washington State Patrol, local first responders, and GHT’s own dispatch, safety, and maintenance staff. The bus driver assisted passengers in exiting the bus via an emergency exit, made an initial assessment of injuries, and promptly called 911 for emergency services. Dispatch supervisors quickly arrived on the scene to assist emergency responders and transport bus passengers without injuries to their destinations. Maintenance staff aided in removing the bus from the scene as the impact of the collision pushed the bus off of the roadway.
“We are saddened to learn that the driver of the other vehicle passed away at the scene. Resources and counseling are available for GHT staff following this incident.”
