Update: 3 hurt in, rescued from crash at Olson/Roxbury

(EDITOR’S NOTE: See our Tuesday followup here)

(Photo courtesy Jason)
6:52 AM: Police and fire have responded to a crash at Olson/Roxbury (map), with a sizable “heavy rescue” dispatch. According to radio communications, three people are being taken to the hospital. More to come.

7:19 AM: Thanks to Jason for sending the top photo taken during the rescue. We are just back from the scene, where the wrecked Lexus is about to be pulled the rest of the way out of the off-the-road spot where it crashed among trees; police told us they expect to have the road reopened soon, but for now the Olson/1st hill down to/up from Highway 509 is blocked.

(This photo & next by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
This crash comes less than a week after SDOT officially launched the SW Roxbury safety project with a meeting a few blocks to the east.

7:29 AM: Police just announced “all lanes are open.” We don’t know the victims’ conditions but the crash did not trigger the type of major investigation that would usually follow if anyone had life-threatening injuries.

bridgetosomewhere February 16, 2014 (8:23 am)

That portion of the road is a definite safety concern–I’m glad the city is looking into it. This car that crashed is a rear-wheel drive Lexus with decent horsepower. That intersection is TERRIBLE for rear-drive cars, particularly after a rain, because it’s a very tight turn and often filled with oil. I had a rear-drive Miata and even driving it very conservatively and under the speed limit, the tail would often slide and I’d have to catch it. SUVs and pick-ups have the same issue here (again, rear-drive). My best to the folks in the car and I hope they figure it out.

alki resident February 16, 2014 (10:19 am)

King 5 is reporting that there were several teens in the car. I hope kids see these pics and realize they are not as indestructible as they act when they’re behind the wheel with their friends. SLOW DOWN and pay attention.

JanS February 16, 2014 (10:50 am)

According to King5, the injured were teenagers. Hope they’ll be OK. A Lexus…nice car…wonder if it was a parent’s car. Oh, well…a shame all around. Again, hope they’ll be OK/recover quickly.

JK February 16, 2014 (11:04 am)

^^^the first comment about rear drive makes me question a few things –

how fast they were driving and what type of tires were on the car as well as the condition of those tires? It makes a HUGE difference.

I drive a rear drive sedan, and my tail washed out in the rain coming into West Seattle on the final turn before “Walking on logs”. The tires on my car were just about worn out. Changed to tires that have good wet weather traction and it has been much better.

Tires are one of the most important safety features of a vehicle and one of the most overlooked items. There isn’t much holding you to the road so it’s a good idea that tires are at proper inflation and in good condition.

I’ll step off my soap box now. I hope that all involved will be ok.

E February 16, 2014 (12:26 pm)

Any update about their condition?

WSB February 16, 2014 (12:42 pm)

No way to check without knowing names. Didn’t catch the initial medical discussion via scanner, which is often the only information that’s ever public, just the final “transporting three.” If they are from this area and someone sees this story, perhaps they will share an update. – TR

Robert February 18, 2014 (7:23 am)

didn’t I hear that the driver took off on foot?[scanner]…a large percentage of the drivers using that road are speeding, add the rolling phone-booth effect and you have a recipe for disaster..

Jen February 18, 2014 (8:20 am)

Yes, the driver did take off. I was initially on the scene (as a passing driver) waiting for the police to arrive when the driver, who I thought was moving because his door was completely caved in, escaped through the back window which had broken during the accident.

Lindsey February 18, 2014 (10:09 am)

Not surprised to see this report today. I was walking along this route this morning and there is broken glass and discarded car parts all up and down Olson Place.

WSB February 18, 2014 (10:16 am)

I’m hoping to have a followup later – now that the three-day weekend is over and fire/police media liaisons are back in the office, I’m collecting info we couldn’t access any sooner. One important part: None of the three people taken to the hospital (all described by SFD as “late teens/early 20s”) had serious injuries, per SFD. I have an inquiry out now to SPD to try to find out more about circumstances and whether the driver really did leave the scene or not – Tracy

Sorry, comment time is over.