Interstate 5 just north of Lexington was backed up for hours yesterday after a three-vehicle DUI crash.

The Washington State Patrol’s Office says that a Chrysler minivan driven by 71-year-old George Gomez of Castle Rock was going northbound on I-5 in the left lane near milepost 42 when it left the roadway around 5:15 p.m. A Ford Fusion driven by 57-year-old Cheryl C. of Portland was driving southbound when the minivan crossed the grassy median and struck it. This caused the Fusion to rotate and also strike a Honda Accord driven by 44-year-old Sasha Wheatly of Longview.

The minivan ended up coming to rest off the right shoulder in an embankment, the Fusion stopped blocking the center lane, and the Accord stopped on the right shoulder.

When help arrived on the scene, both Gomez and his 82-year-old passenger were found to be injured; they were taken by ambulance to St. John Medical Center. C., her 14-year-old passenger, and Wheatly were not injured.

Everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt. Troopers say they suspect drugs and alcohol were a factor. Gomez has charges pending the investigation.

The incident saw two of three lanes of I-5 southbound affected for several hours.