Two Fatal Crashes Involving Big Rigs on Washington Highways

Tuesday morning brought two separate fatal collisions just hours apart, one on US-395 and one on northbound I-5 near Federal Way.

Two separate crashes and two families receiving the worst news of their lives before noon.

Crash #1 - US-395 Blocked Both Directions North of Chewelah, A Garbage Truck Rollover

The first fatal crash was reported at 7:04 AM on US-395 just north of Blue Creek Road near milepost 213 north of Chewelah. Washington State Patrol District 4 confirmed a vehicle versus garbage truck collision resulting in a fatality.

Both directions of US-395 were blocked, with detours in place, and no estimated reopening time was provided when the initial alert was released.

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The photos from the scene show a bright yellow dump truck is on its side, front end buried in the ditch, the rear section facing the center of the roadway. Emergency vehicles, including WSP and WSDOT crews, are visible working the scene around the overturned truck.

The investigation and recovery process on a fatal collision of this scale takes hours.

Crash #2 - Northbound I-5 Near Federal Way, A Semi Driver Lost His Life

Less than three hours later, a second fatal collision was reported on northbound I-5 near the Federal Way Rest Area. Trooper Rick Johnson with WSP District 2 confirmed at 9:54 AM that a car and semi were involved in a fatal collision. He also confirmed it was the semi driver who died.

The photo from the scene shows the crash at an overpass, with northbound traffic backed up behind the closure.

Multiple fire trucks, police vehicles, and paramedics are visible working the scene. A group of first responders is circled up near the rear of the semi working the investigation.

Witness comments from the scene described the front cab of the semi as crushed forward from the impact — a description that makes the severity of the collision immediately clear. One witness wrote simply "Unreal scene." Another responded, "Godspeed to the semi driver."