Girl, 14, crashes while driving drunk

SNOQUALMIE -- Troopers say a 14-year-old girl was driving drunk with her mother passed out in the passenger seat when she lost control and flipped the van Tuesday morning on Highway 18.

The girl was ejected from the van and suffered severe head and spine injuries, but is expected to survive. Her mother was not seriously injured.

The crash, which occured about 5:30 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near Tiger Mountain, brought traffic to a standstill and part of the highway was closed for several hours while troopers investigated the crash.

Trooper Cliff Pratt said malt liquor containers were found inside the vehicle and both the teen and her mother appeared to be heavily intoxicated.

Pratt said the mother told troopers varying stories, claiming at different times to be the girl's sister or cousin.

Both are being treated at Overlake Hospital.