BREMERTON — One death has been reported as a result of a multi-car accident at 9:06 p.m. Nov. 6 at Kitsap Way and National.
Gian King, a passenger in one of the cars, passed away Sunday at Harborview Medical Center.
According to a preliminary report from the Bremerton Police Department, the crash began as a white 1990s-era Honda Accord occupied by three people was stopped at the light and waiting to turn. Another vehicle, a red Kia sedan, approached from behind, northbound on National coming down the hill at a high rate of speed. The Kia slammed into the right rear of the stopped Honda, causing extensive damage and pushing it into the roadway on Kitsap Way.
[ LINK: See also “Serious five-vehicle crash at Kitsap and National in Bremerton” ]
As a result of the collision, the Kia and Honda then struck three other vehicles.
The Kia then struck the curb on the north side of Kitsap Way, causing it to roll. It came to rest on its roof next to the Vape on the Beach store located north of Kitsap Way.
The investigation into the causes of the accident is still ongoing, but the female driver of the red Kia told investigators that she “likely fell asleep” at the time of the accident, according to a press release from Bremerton Police. The driver said she has a newborn at home, interrupting her sleep.
According to the press release, the Kia was traveling onto the sidewalk on the east side of National well before the crash occurred, and there was no indication of any attempt to correct the vehicle, which is consistent with the driver being asleep. There is no indication of alcohol or drug use involved in the accident.
When the investigation, which currently indicates “the driver likely fell asleep due to a chronic lack of sleep over the past several days,” is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office, and it will be their decision whether criminal charges would be appropriate, according to the press release.
Nov. 1-8 was declared Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in Washington state.
— Edited by Michelle Beahm
