Francisco J. Corona-Lopez Injured in Hit-and-Run on Interstate-82 in Kittitas County, Washington, January 2, 2026

On January 2, 2026, Francisco J. Corona-Lopez, 32, of Yakima, Washington, sustained injuries in a hit-and-run collision on Interstate-82, approximately 17 miles south of Ellensburg in Kittitas County. Corona-Lopez was operating a sedan in the left lane while attempting a legal pass of a construction truck and trailer driven by 56-year-old Guadalupe Villegas-Sanchez of Moxee when the truck merged into his vehicle, causing a sideswipe collision. The impact resulted in injuries to Corona-Lopez, who was transported to Kittitas Valley Hospital for treatment.

The investigation conducted by the Washington State Patrol determined that Villegas-Sanchez executed an improper lane change and left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. No impairments were reported in connection with the collision. Authorities are actively seeking Villegas-Sanchez in relation to the hit-and-run. The incident caused significant traffic delays on Interstate-82 while emergency crews and investigators processed the scene. Corona-Lopez’s passenger remained unharmed.