More details released on tanker-truck crash that blocked traffic in Tacoma, injured 3
A 45-year-old Everett man is suspected of driving under the influence Monday evening when he allegedly crashed his tanker truck into two cars on a Tacoma highway interchange.
The man was driving his tanker south on Sprague Avenue and approaching state Route 16. The drivers of a Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla were driving north on Sprague Avenue from state Route 16. The tanker-truck driver did make the curve on the entrance ramp and drove into the northbound lanes, striking both cars at about 4:29 p.m. and rolling over, according to a Washington State Patrol news release.
The tanker was carrying argon gas, but it was not a danger to the public, Washington State Patrol spokesperson Trooper John Dattilo posted on X.
All three drivers were injured, the release said. The Everett man was taken to Tacoma General Hospital and has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and two counts of vehicular assault. He was later booked into the Pierce County Jail.
Troopers on the scene alleged that the Everett man appeared unbalanced. He allegedly had bloodshot eyes and a state trooper smelled an “extreme” odor of intoxicants from him, according to charging documents.
Prosecutors charged the man on Tuesday with two counts of vehicular assault, court records show. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf during his arraignment. Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Philip Thornton set his bail at $50,000.
The driver of the Prius was identified as a 35-year-old woman from Tacoma. The Corolla’s driver was a 55-year-old Port Orchard man, the release said. They were both taken to St Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma.
All three vehicles were totaled. The roadway was blocked for four hours, the release said.
This story was originally published November 26, 2024 at 11:06 AM.
