Driver used phone before fatal crash

RICHLAND – The Washington State Patrol says a driver was on the phone moments before his SUV rolled on Interstate 182 in Richland, killing him, his wife and their 8-year-old nephew.

Senior Trooper Bryan Ball said the Sunnyside couple’s three children were also in the SUV. An 8-year-old girl and 10-year-old boy had various injuries and were taken to area hospitals. A 2-year-old boy was unhurt.

The family was leaving a birthday party in Pasco early Sunday when the SUV swerved off the road and rolled seven times. Troopers found the vehicle around 7 a.m.

KNDU-TV reported that 32-year-old Joel Barajas and 28-year-old Bertha Barajas died at the scene. Cristian Valdez was also killed.

After the crash, the 8-year-old girl unstrapped the toddler from the car seat and was comforting the boy until help arrived, Ball said.

He said alcohol may have been involved.