ROYAL CITY - One woman from Othello was injured when three cars were involved in a double rear-ender just half a mile outside of Royal City on Saturday, September 13, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Neither drugs nor alcohol were involved, the WSP said. All occupants were wearing their seat belts. The mishap occurred on Highway 26.

Injured was Kayla R Smoot, 21. She was transported by ambulance to the Othello Community Hospital. Her 2004 Kia Rio sustained reportable damage and was removed by Davis Towing.

Smoot's car ran into the back of a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Rafaela Cedillo-Montoya, 37, of Royal City. Cedillo-Montoya had stopped near mile post 17 to turn left. Her car had reportable damage, but it was driven from the scene.

The other driver involved in the crash was Kerria McGinty, 22, Poulsbo. Her 1998 Chevrolet Malibu hit the rear of the Kia. The Malibu sustained reportable damage, and it was waved at the scene.

Also involved in the collision were two passengers from Royal City and one from Othello. Neither of the three was injured.

All three vehicles were westbound on Highway 26 near mile post 17, where Cedillo-Montoya attempted to make a left-hand turn onto a private road, the WSP said. According to the State Patrol, the Smoot and McGinty cars were following too closely to stop in time.