Seven Hurt In Crash Near Loon Lake Boy Suffers Fractured Skull After Vehicle Slides On Icy Road

Six members of a church youth group and their chaperone were hurt Monday when their minivan slid off U.S. Highway 395 in Stevens County and slammed into a pine tree.

A 12-year-old Colfax boy was the most severely injured, suffering a lacerated forehead and fractured skull, the Washington State Patrol reported. James Carter was not wearing a seat belt.

“He probably needed 30 or 40 stitches,” said R.B. Fiorentino, the trooper in charge of the accident scene.

The other six had injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and bruises.

All were treated and released from Spokane hospitals by Monday.

“There were no really serious injuries,” said Pastor Doug Busby of Evangelical Free Church in Pullman. “The Lord was gracious to us this time.”

The accident happened about 8:30 a.m. on a straight stretch of 395 two miles north of Loon Lake.

Chaperone Stacey Pompeo-Butcher of Pullman told state troopers she lost control of the van as she was driving north on the snow-covered highway.

Pompeo-Butcher, 25, broke her elbow in the crash, troopers reported.

“She said she hit a patch of ice and started sliding,” Fiorentino said.

The silver 1985 Chevrolet Astro crossed the southbound lane, skidded down a snow-covered embankment and plowed into a tree.

Also injured were:

Christa Brossman, 14, of Pullman, who suffered internal injuries.

Rebecca Dyer, 14, of Pullman, who had head injuries.

Michael Carter, 14, of Colfax, who broke his wrist.

Jake Olsen, 14, of Colfax, who hurt his neck and hip.

Trisha Fry, 17, of Pullman, who had back and neck injuries.

Dyer and Fry weren’t wearing seat belts.

The Carters and Pompeo-Butcher were released from Sacred Heart Medical Center late Monday.

Pompeo-Butcher was leading three other vehicles loaded with youth group members to 49 Degrees North for a day of skiing, Busby said. School was out for the Presidents Day holiday.

The convoy left Pullman about 7 a.m. Monday. The three other cars returned there after the accident.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of crash area