A fatal collision between two semi-trucks on westbound Interstate 90 near milepost 32 claimed the life of one driver and injured another on Wednesday afternoon, causing major traffic disruptions for over five hours.
The Washington State Patrol reported that the accident occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. when the front steer tire of the first semi-truck blew out, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck then struck a second semi-truck carrying logs, which left the roadway and rolled into the median between the main line of I-90 and the exit ramp for milepost 32.
A 38-year-old Port Angeles man driving the second truck was pronounced deceased at Harborview Medical Center. The driver of the first vehicle, a 57-year-old Longview man, was injured and transported to Overlake Medical Center for treatment.
The collision completely blocked the roadway for approximately five hours and fifteen minutes, causing significant traffic backups in the area. Both tractors and their trailers were declared total losses and removed by Todd’s Towing.
The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the collision. Investigators report that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash. It is unknown whether either driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
