Driver charged in crash involving farm tractor, van in Grant County

State Route 28 was closed between Ephrata and Soap Lake in Grant County for several hours Tuesday afternoon as the Washington State Patrol investigated a crash between a farm tractor and a van.

Dean L. Benedict, 62, was driving his tractor westbound on SR 28 partially on the shoulder and partially in the road when he was hit from behind by a 1992 Chevrolet sport van driven by Walter A. Bentley, 45. Both vehicles ended up in the westbound ditch, the WSP reported.

Both drivers were seriously injured but Benedict had more significant injuries, said WSP Trooper Brian Moore. The tractor was not equipped with a seat belt. Benedict’s injuries are believed to be non-life threatening, Moore said.

The cause of the crash was inattentive driving, according to the WSP. Bentley has been charged with speeding too fast for conditions and driving with a suspended license.