UPDATE: Washington State Tow Operator Struck and Killed on I-5

According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the operator responded to a disabled vehicle that had lost control. The driver of the disabled vehicle, who was uninjured, called for a ride as the operator loaded the vehicle. After the driver’s ride arrived, another vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the ride vehicle. Two occupants and the driver of the disabled vehicle were inside. Two of the vehicle occupants died in the crash, the third was injured and taken to a hospital.

The tow operator, who was standing between the vehicles, was also hit and died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle that crashed into the disabled vehicle was seriously injured and taken to a hospital. The driver was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, the WSP said.

UPDATE:

The tow operator who died in the crash has been identified as Arthur Anderson, 63, of Longview.  He was the owner of Affordable Towing.

Drugs and alcohol were factors in the crash, the WSP said. The driver of the vehicle that caused the crash has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide.