Update: Three-Vehicle Crash on SR 162 Sends Six People to Hospital

UPDATE: 11:01 p.m., 1/14/13

The Washington State Patrol is now reporting that six people - including three girls all 13 or younger - were taken to the hospital following a crash on State Route 162 on Monday night.

The collision shut down both lanes of SR 162 at 144th Street East beginning about 5:30 p.m.

According to the WSP report, a van driven by Matthew McCullough of Orting, 36, stopped on eastbound SR 162 to make a left turn onto 144th Street East.

Another vehicle - a car driven by Wyatt Blankenship of Orting, 18 - stopped behind it.

But another vehicle - a car driven by Stephen Azevedo of Orting, 28 - struck the second vehicle and pushed it into the van, according to WSP.

All three drivers were transportated to Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. Three girls travelling in the van - 6, 9 and 13 years old - were also taken to the hospital.

WSP is investigating the crash, and charges are pending.

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ORIGINAL STORY

Both lanes of SR 162 were blocked Monday evening after a critical accident sent five to the hospital, according to East Pierce Fire and Rescue.

The accident occured on State Route 162 and 144th St. E. at 5:30 p.m. East Pierce Fire and Rescue responded with mutual aid to Orting Valley Fire and Rescue.

The injuries are not life threatening, WSP Trooper Guy Gill tweeted.

There were three vehicles involved in the crash.