Fatal crash in Belfair

A Belfair man died at the scene of a multi-vehicle collision on state Route 3 by Belfair Elementary Monday after he crossed the centerline, struck two other automobiles, including a Kitsap County Sheriff’s vehicle, rolled his pickup several times into the school’s parking lot and crashed into parked cars, Washington State Patrol Trooper Katherine Weatherwax posted on X.

No children were hurt and no other serious injuries were reported by WSP.

Thomas Johnson, 68, of Belfair, caused the collision, involving eight vehicles, and died in the accident, according to WSP.

“I’m saddened to announce that despite the best efforts of those first on scene, the driver of the causing vehicle has died,” Weatherwax wrote.

Johnson was southbound on Route 3 by the school when he lost control of his Chevy Colorado truck and drove into oncoming traffic, striking the sheriff’s vehicle and another car, both traveling north, a WSP news release states. Johnson left the roadway and rolled into the school parking lot, striking a fourth vehicle. “Vehicle four struck vehicle five. Vehicle five struck vehicle six. Vehicle one then struck vehicles seven and eight,” according to the release.

Johnson’s truck and five of the automobiles came to rest in the school parking lot, the sheriff’s vehicle blocked the northbound lane of Route 3 and another car landed on the sidewalk behind it, according to WSP.

The parked cars were not occupied, Weatherwax wrote.

The 10 a.m. crash caused “long traffic delays” throughout the afternoon and is currently under investigation, according to WSP.