In the early hours of a crisp morning in Kittitas County, Washington, a routine roadside investigation turned into a heart-stopping event. A semi-truck barreled into an accident scene, narrowly missing a state trooper and leaving two patrol cars severely damaged. Here’s what unfolded:
The Initial Rollover Crash
The chain of events began around 10 p.m. the previous night on westbound I-90, just four miles west of Cle Elum. A semi-truck veered off the road for unknown reasons, causing it to flip over. The wreckage caught the attention of a Department of Transportation (DOT) truck and a Washington State Patrol (WSP) car, both of which stopped to investigate.
The Second Collision
As the DOT truck and WSP car were parked near the rollover crash site, another semi-truck hurtled toward them. At 1 a.m. on Monday morning, the force of the impact caused the unoccupied DOT truck to slam into the back of the patrol car. A trooper was inside the car at the time, narrowly escaping serious injury. Meanwhile, another trooper on foot managed to leap out of the way, landing in a barbed-wire fence.
Jeremy Weber, WSP Public Information Officer for District 6, emphasized the severity of the situation: “This could’ve been really, really, really bad, and I don’t want to take anything away from what these guys went through. It’s a traumatic thing. But it does need to be said that this could’ve ended a lot worse.”
The Importance of the Move Over Law
Both injured officers were taken to the hospital for evaluation. This incident underscores the critical importance of Washington’s “Move Over Law.” When you see flashing lights on the side of the road, slow down and move over to create a safe buffer for emergency responders. Trooper Weber explained, “Literally, it’s the most dangerous part of our job.”
Charges and Consequences
The semi-truck driver involved in the initial rollover crash is facing negligent driving charges. The driver responsible for the second collision is also awaiting charges. Both were taken to Kittitas Valley Healthcare for treatment of their injuries.
A Near Miss with Lasting Impact
The near-tragedy serves as a stark reminder for all drivers. Even when we’re not directly involved in an accident, our actions on the road can have far-reaching consequences. Let’s remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and prioritize safety for everyone sharing the highways.
Additional Resources
For more information on recent traffic incidents, accidents, and road safety issues across Washington State, explore the articles below:
- I-90 Closed in Western Spokane County Due to Chemical Spill in Crash
A crash in Western Spokane County caused a hazardous chemical spill, leading to a temporary I-90 closure. Learn about the response and cleanup efforts.
Read more - Semi-Truck Rollover Causes Traffic Snarl on Whidbey Island
A semi-truck rollover on Whidbey Island created major traffic delays. This article discusses the accident’s impact and the measures taken to restore traffic.
Read more - Driver Hospitalized After Semi-Truck Rollover in Ellensburg
A driver was hospitalized following a semi-truck rollover in Ellensburg. This report covers the accident details and resulting road conditions.
Read more - Tragic Car Accident Claims Three Lives, Including Child, on I-90 in Kittitas County
A devastating accident on I-90 in Kittitas County resulted in three fatalities, including a child. Learn more about the incident and its tragic consequences.
Read more - Car vs. Semi-Truck Crash Near Cle Elum Leaves One Injured
A collision between a car and a semi-truck near Cle Elum left one person injured. This article provides details on the crash and its aftermath.
Read more - Fatal Head-On Collision on SR-281 in George, WA Involving Semi-Truck
A fatal head-on collision involving a semi-truck on SR-281 in George claimed lives and led to a major traffic incident. Read about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Read more - I-90 Closure and Reopening Due to Heavy Snow and Truck Chain-Up Requirement
Heavy snow forced a temporary closure of I-90, with truck chain-up requirements enforced for safe travel. Discover the conditions that led to this closure.
Read more - Snoqualmie Pass Residents Advocate for Measures to Prevent I-90 Closures
Residents of Snoqualmie Pass push for better infrastructure to prevent frequent I-90 closures. This article discusses their advocacy and proposed measures.
Read more - Two Injured in Motorcycle vs. Deer Crash in Kittitas County
A motorcycle collision with a deer in Kittitas County left two individuals injured. Read more about the accident and local wildlife safety concerns.
Read more - Six Injured After Oak Harbor, WA Carnival Ride Tips Over
A carnival ride in Oak Harbor tipped over, causing injuries to six people. This article covers the accident details and the safety measures taken afterward.
Read more
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