East Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighters from three medic units, two fire engines and one ladder truck responded to a devastating head-on crash on Sumner-Tapps Highway and 162th Avenue East at 6:40 p.m. Friday.

Witnesses reported seeing a speeding sports car attempt to pass one of the vehicles on the Sumner-Tapps Highway when the crash occurred. According to East Pierce Battalion Chief Rick Goetz, the additional engine and ladder truck were required to help remove two of the four patients from their crushed vehicles. One patient was transported to a local trauma center with life-threatening injuries.

Three other patients were transported to the same trauma center with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the cause of the crash. Sumner Police also responded to the scene.