How Did 1 Woman Die in a Crash Involving a C-TRAN Bus in La Center?

Quick answer: One woman was killed and five people aboard a C-TRAN bus were injured in a three-vehicle crash on Northwest La Center Road in La Center, Washington, on the morning of Thursday, 8 October 2026, the Clark County Sheriff's Office said.

Key facts

• What: Three-vehicle crash involving a transit bus
• Where: NW La Center Road, between NW Paradise Park Road and NW Timmen Road, La Center, Washington
• Reported: 8 October 2026, via KGW, KATU, KOIN and The Columbian
• Reported toll: 1 killed, 5 injured (bus driver + 4 passengers)
• Status: Traffic Homicide Unit investigating; no official cause yet

What happened

A Chrysler PT Cruiser travelling westbound crossed the centre line and struck the front corner of a full-size C-TRAN bus, according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office. A minivan following the PT Cruiser was then involved, making it a three-vehicle chain-reaction crash.

The PT Cruiser's driver, a woman and the car's only occupant, died at the scene. The minivan's adult driver and child passenger were uninjured.

The C-TRAN bus was operating Route 48 with about eight passengers aboard. The bus driver and four passengers were injured and taken to hospitals. The Columbian reported their injuries were minor, while KGW said details on severity were not provided.

NW La Center Road was closed for several hours between Paradise Park and Timmen Roads while traffic and emergency crews worked the scene. The Sheriff's Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating, and no official statement had been made about possible factors such as a medical emergency, distraction or impairment.

What happens next

The Traffic Homicide Unit will determine what caused the PT Cruiser to cross the centre line. C-TRAN and the Sheriff's Office may release further details once the investigation progresses.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the La Center bus crash?

One person died: the woman driving the PT Cruiser. The bus driver and four bus passengers were injured, and the two people in the minivan were uninjured.

Where did the crash happen?

On NW La Center Road in La Center, Washington, between NW Paradise Park Road and NW Timmen Road.

What caused the crash?

Investigators have not yet said what caused the PT Cruiser to cross the centre line. The Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating, and no official statement had been made about factors such as a medical emergency, distraction or impairment.

Was the crash on a C-TRAN route?

Yes. The bus was operating C-TRAN Route 48 at the time, with about eight passengers aboard.