Children among 8 injured in wreck outside Monte

A South Bend woman fell asleep at the wheel on State Route 107 Saturday morning. The resulting accident left eight injured, including two young girls who were airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Shortly after 10 a.m. the silver Dodge Caravan travelling southbound near Preachers Slough Road just south of Montesano left the highway around mile post 4. The vehicle struck a tree on the right front passenger side, spun 90 degrees and came to rest on its wheels.

The two young girls who were airlifted, ages 6 and 9, were among eight children ages 11 months to 12 years who were injured in the crash. None were wearing seat belts, according to a report from State Trooper Christopher Mann.

The driver, identified as 28-year old Norma Tapia-Valdivias, and a 27-year old passenger were the only two in the vehicle known to be wearing seat belts. All involved in the accident were injured, and the six who were not airlifted were transported to Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen and Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma. Their conditions are unknown. The driver was cited for second degree negligent driving.