Port Ludlow woman fatal victim in 6-vehicle crash

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One person is dead and multiple were injured after a six-vehicle pileup occurred on the Hood Canal Bridge.

According to a press release issued by Port Townsend Police Department Public Information Officer Keppie Keplinger, the wreck was reported at about 5 p.m. May 17 on the middle of the bridge, which included a tractor trailer. 

“At least one person was trapped in their vehicle and died as a result of the crash,” the release stated. 

According to the Washington State Patrol, Debra Clyde, 65, of Port Ludlow, died at the scene of the crash,   

Keplinger said  it took more than an hour to extricate the woman from the “badly damaged vehicle.”

WSP told The Leader a vehicle was east on the bridge when it crossed the center line, sideswiping a second vehicle. The driver then proceeded to drive in the westbound lane hiting a third car before colliding headone with Clyde’s vehicle.

WSP stated although the incident is still under investigation, the vehicle was called in for driving poorly before the crash occured. 

Officials were on scene until about 1 a.m. May 18, leaving the bridge closed for about eight hours.

Assisting at the scene was Poulsbo Fire Department, Port Ludlow Fire and Rescue, East Jefferson Fire Rescue, Quilcene Fire and Rescue, Engine 91 from Navy Region Fire and  EMS - Indian Island,

Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation, Jefferson

County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Fish and Wildlife.