Grant County Collision Leaves One Dead, Other Vehicle Slams PUD Electrical Box

A two vehicle collision on New Year's Day resulted in the death of one driver and a four hour road closure on State Route 243, just south of Mattawa. Troopers responded to the scene at 5:45 p.m. and discovered a Dodge Neon was blocking State Route 243 and a Nissan Altima had come to rest in an orchard.

According to Trooper John Bryant, the 2002 Dodge Neon Sedan was headed southbound and the 2015 Nissan Altima was northbound when the Dodge crossed the center line and caused the Altima to swerve. The Dodge struck the Altima before coming to rest and blocking both SR243 lanes.

"The Altima struck a PUD electrical box and a tree in a nearby orchard," said Trooper John Bryant.

Both drivers were transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center. The driver of the Nissan Altima, Antonio Magdaleno, had non life threatening injuries. The name of the deceased Dodge driver is not released, pending notification of kin.