Woman killed in head-on collision Near Battle Ground Washington

A Battle Ground woman, Jennifer Swartz, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene of a head-on collision that happened Dec. 31 in the area of the 16300 block of State Route 503.
According to a news release from Clark County Fire District 3, Clark County Fire & Rescue, Clark County Fire District 3, Vancouver Fire and AMR responded to a head-on collision that occurred just before 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. The accident occurred on the bridge that crosses over Salmon Creek, about one mile south of Battle Ground.

Units arrived at the scene to find a two-car head-on collision with three occupants trapped and two additional occupants who were not trapped. The three trapped occupants were in a Nissan Pathfinder and were identified as 17-year-old Katrina Tikka of Amboy, who was driving, 17-year-old Wendi Hallstrom of Yacolt and 16-year-old Megan Tikka of Amboy. The three girls were seriously injured and were transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.

The other vehicle, a 1999 Chevy Tahoe, was driven by the deceased Swartz and also carried Peter Swartz. Peter Swartz was also transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.
The Nissan Pathfinder, which was traveling southbound on the icy SR-503, appeared to have crossed the centerline and collided with the northbound Chevy Tahoe.Alcohol and drugs are not suspected as a factor in the accident. The weather, however, was definitely a factor, as the roads were slick and icy.

The highway was closed for about three hours from Northeast 149th Street to Northeast 179th Street. A total of about 14 firefighters with four engines from the three fire agencies and four AMR ambulances assisted with the extrication, treatment and transport of the occupants. Washington State Patrol is investigating the incident.

Peter’s mother, Susan Stevens, said Jan. 4 that Peter was about to have a second surgery and had recently had his breathing device removed and was breathing on his own. Both of his legs are broken, as well as some of his ribs.The couple also has three children, two girls ages 11 and 7 and a 5-year-old boy. Jennifer was attending the Nursing Program at Clark College.