Passenger Killed, Driver Critical After Car Hit by Semi on SR 195

A 22-year-old passenger, identified as Angelina I. D’Amato of Pullman, was pronounced dead at the scene after a Toyota Corolla was struck broadside by a southbound semi-truck on State Route 195 near the intersection of Hamilton Hill Road and Albion Road, the Washington State Patrol said. The Corolla’s driver, Vincent X. Long, 20, of Maple Valley, was airlifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane and remains in a coma and in critical condition, according to KXLY and the WSP press release.

Washington State Patrol investigators were first notified about the collision at about 1:34 p.m., and KXLY reports the crash occurred around 1:50 p.m. at milepost MP30.7 between Colfax and Pullman. A dispatch log noted: "1 CAR SEMI FATALITY COLLISION S195 HAMILTON HILL MP30.7. Roadway will be closed for next two hours detours are in place expect delays active investigation," reflecting initial scene closures and detours along the southbound lanes.

WSP and KHQ accounts say the Corolla was traveling east-to-west on Albion Road, attempting to cross SR 195 to Hamilton Hill Road, when it "drove directly in front of the semi truck" and was struck. The Corolla came to rest in a field off SR 195, while the southbound semi-truck, driven by Steven F. Bauer, 66, of Lewiston, Idaho, stopped on the roadway’s southbound shoulder. WSP investigators determined the crash was caused by a failure to yield the right of way.

All vehicle occupants were reportedly wearing seat belts, WSP said. Sgt. Greg Riddell of the Washington State Patrol told KHQ that "impairment is not believed to be a factor in the crash at this time," and that the semi was traveling within the speed limit when struck. No injuries to the semi driver were reported.

KXLY reported that D’Amato’s next of kin has been notified and that Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center confirmed Long was airlifted there; the hospital has not released further medical details. WSP issued a press release identifying the victims late Saturday night, and troopers said the collision remains under active investigation.

An earlier report from another outlet had described a different time and milepost for a crash on SR 195 near San Luis, citing social media posts; those details conflict with the WSP location at Hamilton Hill Road and MP30.7. The Washington State Patrol is the primary source for victim identification and cause, and officials say they will release additional investigative information as it becomes available.