Keyla Cruz Injured in Frightening Crash on Highway 260 [Connell, WA]

Head-On Collision With Semi Shuts Down Highway 260 Near Connell

Connell, WA (January 23, 2026) — A serious crash on Highway 260 left 17-year-old Keyla Cruz of Connell, hurt and hospitalized on Tuesday evening.

According to authorities, the collision happened around 4:50 p.m. near Dilling Road, approximately three miles west of Connell.

Authorities reported that a Volkswagen Jetta traveling west struck a semi truck after the truck turned left into its path. The teen driver of the Jetta, identified as Cruz, was briefly trapped inside the vehicle before rescue crews freed the victim and transported the individual to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland for treatment.

The semi truck driver, identified as 50-year-old Rafael D. Aquino of Connell, was cited for failing to yield the right of way. The crash happened east of the Highway 17 intersection in Franklin County. Traffic was detoured for several hours while crews worked the scene, and the highway reopened shortly before 9:00 p.m.

Let’s Drive Safer Together

High-speed crashes can occur in the blink of an eye, but so many are preventable with small, intelligent decisions. Pay attention, don’t get distracted (say, by texting) and never drive after drinking. As ever – obey speed limits, buckle up and keep plenty of room between yourself and other vehicles. These are small enough measures to save lives — including your own.

We can all take steps to help keep our roads safe for ourselves, our families and our communities.

Serious crashes often occur at intersections and turning points. Drivers are urged to use extra caution, yield properly, and stay alert to prevent devastating injuries on rural highways.

Prevent Traffic Accidents

Even with every precaution, accidents can still occur. Knowing what to do afterward can make a big difference in protecting your well-being and financial future.

If you’ve been involved in a collision, remember that you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Recovery takes time, and the emotional and financial burdens can be overwhelming. Having a supportive and experienced legal team can help you focus on healing while ensuring your rights are protected.

At Sweet Lawyers, we understand how devastating a serious accident can be. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims and their families get the justice and compensation they deserve. We’ll handle the legal process with compassion and determination, allowing you to focus on recovery and peace of mind.

If you or someone you love was injured in a traffic accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to listen, guide, and fight for you every step of the way.

📞 Call (800) 674-7852 for a free, confidential consultation, or click here to connect with one of our legal professionals today.