Two hurt in six-car, chain rear-end crash on state Highway 500

Two people were hurt following a six-vehicle chain reaction of rear-end crashes on state Highway 500 Tuesday morning, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Troopers said all six drivers were heading westbound near Stapleton Road when, around 9:30 a.m., Vancouver’s Darrel R. Carver, 57, struck the rear of a minivan.

The impact sent the minivan — driven by Jody M. Cordell, 52, of Vancouver — into the rear of a third vehicle.

That vehicle went off to the right, then struck a fourth vehicle in the rear. In turn, that vehicle hit another, which rear-ended the sixth.

Cordell and Carver were both taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center for their injuries. Both were in satisfactory condition Tuesday afternoon, according to the hospital.

The crash likely totaled their vehicles, the State Patrol said. The other four drivers were unhurt, and able to drive from the scene.

The State Patrol said inattention on Carver’s part led to the crash, and he was cited for following too closely.