State Route 2 accident injuries five Reardan residents

REARDAN – Speed and weather are believed responsible for a two-car collision early Wednesday morning, Oct. 9, that injured five Reardan residents.

According to a Washington State Patrol press memo, a 1995 GMC Sierra pickup driven by Shawn A. Macielewicz, 26, was eastbound on State Route 2 at mile post 271 – eight miles west of Airway Heights – about 5:30 a.m. when it lost control on ice and struck a 1999 Dodge Caravan driven by Paul H. Schollenberger, 66.

Both vehicles left the roadway and came to rest in a field, with the Dodge Caravan landing on its side. Both drivers were injured and transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, with Schollenberger being sent via Life Flight.

Also injured in the Dodge Caravan were Schollenberger’s passengers Mack W. McLendin, 66, Johnathan L. Murkins, 43, and Deborah P. Dunham, 58. All five individuals are listed as residents of Reardan.

State Patrol officials believe speed and driving too fast for conditions were the cause of the accident. Charges are pending.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.