MASON COUNTY, WA — A non-injury collision involving downed power lines caused a lengthy closure of U.S. Highway 101 in Mason County Thursday night, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:39 p.m. on January 1, 2026, near milepost 319 on northbound US 101, just south of Hoodsport. Troopers say a single vehicle traveling northbound struck power lines that were down across the roadway.

According to the incident summary, the vehicle continued moving after contacting the power lines and eventually came to rest suspended over the roadway entangled in the lines. As a result, US 101 was fully blocked for approximately seven hours while crews worked to secure the scene and remove the hazard.

The driver, identified as 45-year-old Dion M. Blackburn of Quilcene, was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was not injured. Authorities confirmed the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved, and no drugs or alcohol were a factor. No charges were filed.

The vehicle involved was a 2008 white Dodge Dakota pickup, which sustained reportable damage but was driven from the scene once conditions were safe.

The Washington State Patrol listed the cause of the collision as power lines over the roadway. Utility crews and emergency responders coordinated efforts to clear the scene and restore safe travel conditions.

Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes during the closure, and traffic resumed once the roadway was cleared and deemed safe.