Just before 9am yesterday, a white Ford Transit was driving southbound on Westside Highway when it drove off the right shoulder at about Aaron Drive (milepost 5.5). The vehicle hit a mailbox and continued until it struck a telephone pole, knocking out power for about 100 people just north of Lexington.

The Washington State Patrol reports the driver, 83-year-old Fred Conklin of Castle Rock, was experiencing a medical episode when he lost control of the vehicle. He was taken to St. John’s for his injuries. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor. Conklin was wearing a seatbelt, and his vehicle was totaled.

Responders closed a portion of Westside Highway while the PUD crews worked to restore power to those effected.