The Washington State Patrol is continuing its investigation into a one-car, fatal accident on Whidbey Island that killed a 15-year-old Oak Harbor girl early in the morning of Dec. 2.

A 55-year-old man who was sleeping in a nearby gazebo was awakened by the crash, tried to help the girl from the car and injured his hands in the process, according to the Island County Sheriff’s Office. He was gone when the troopers arrived but was later treated at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center and released.

A trooper with the State Patrol said it’s unclear whether the girl’s name will be released. He said investigators were looking into why a teenager who’s too young to drive alone was behind the wheel.

The State Patrol reported that the teenager was driving a 2022 Dodge Charger north on Highway 20 at a high rate of speed. She lost control at the curve at the intersection of Libbey Road, crossed into the wrong lane, left the roadway and struck a pole.

The accident was reported at 3:15 a.m. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash caused the car to catch fire and knocked out cellular and internet service in the area. The highway was closed and traffic was routed around the stretch of highway during the extensive investigation, the Washington State Department of Transportation reported.

The car struck a sign that warns of a curve in the road. The curve is known for being tricky for drivers, especially since Libbey Road intersects the highway in the middle of the curve.

Earlier this year, a motorcyclist was killed at the intersection after straying into the oncoming lane and hitting a pickup head-on. In the spring of 2023, a passenger in a car was killed in a one-car, DUI accident near the intersection.

In addition to the fatalities, the Department of Transportation reports of 23 collisions at the intersection, with seven suspected or apparent injuries, in the last five years. The nearby intersection with the highway and Madrona Drive also has had a significant number of accidents.