The Washington State Patrol has reported that the collapse of an Interstate 5 bridge near Mount Vernon was caused by an overloaded tractor-trailer. When the oversized load struck one of the bridge’s overhead tresses, the 1,000+ foot-long bridge crumbled into the Skagit River. Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in Washington’s northwestern counties, citing the fact that the highway’s closure for a significant period of time will hurt the area’s economy and residents.
The bridge in question was built in 1955, but despite being rated “functionally obsolete” by a federal database, it was believed to be structurally sound at the time of the accident. Investigators speculate that the tractor-trailer collision with the bridge’s “superstructure” is what triggered the collapse. However, the NTSB will review the state’s inspection and maintenance records to confirm what damage and repairs may have been made to the bridge over time.
Several vehicles fell into the river during the collapse, but amazingly, there were no fatalities. Only three people remained hospitalized at the Skagit Valley Hospital by the end of the day. Still, this disaster could have been entirely averted if the truck had not been overloaded against federal trucking regulations.
If you have been seriously injured in tractor-trailer accident in Washington, please contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in your area today using the Personal Injury Lawyer Directory.
