HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-24 - Semi-Tractor Trailer Rollover with Fire (I-5 Northbound - South of Southcenter Exit)City Of Tukwila Jim Haggerton, Mayor
Fire Department Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief
AL
For Immediate Distribution
Type of Incident: Semi - Tractor Trailer Rollover with fire
Location: 1 -5 Northbound, south of Southcenter Exit
Date /Time: July 24, 2015 2:01 am Case Number: 15- 003099
Distribution:
Local Media
Mayor's Office
City Administrator
City Clerk's Office
Council Analyst
PD Administration
PD Supervisors
PD Records
Press Contact: Battalion Chief Martv Grisham Phone Number: 206 9 -571 -3427
Description of Incident
On July 24, 2015, just after 2.00am, Tukwila Fire Department and Kent Fire Authority
were dispatched to a brush fire in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5, just south of the
Westfield Southcenter exits. The First unit arrived to find heavy black smoke coming
from down an embankment, and quickly discovered a 40' semi - tractor trailer fully
engulfed in fire and spreading to surrounding trees and brush. The semi veered off the
freeway, striking the end of a guard rail and continuing off the road into a steep ravine.
The trailer did not contain hazardous materials.
A quick assessment by the fire officer determined the need for a technical rescue team
to get to the driver and additional resources to contain the fire. The incident was
upgraded to a technical rescue call, and additional firefighters from Tukwila, Kent Fire
Authority, South King Fire & Rescue, Renton Fire Department and South King County
Paramedics responded. A special request was made for a Port of Seattle Fire
Department crash truck to respond. They assisted with extinguishing the fire, which had
spread to the trees and brush in the area.
The technical rescue team was able to make access to a conscious and talking patient
using ropes and specialized equipment to assist them in gaining access. The male
patient was rescued and brought up the embankment using a stokes basket. He was
transported to Harborview Medical Center by South King County Paramedics. He
sustained serious, yet non -life threatening injuries.
There were no reports of injuries to responders. After the patient was stable and
removed from the crash site, crews focused on making sure the semi fire and
surrounding brush were completely extinguished. Washington State Patrol will
determine when the semi -truck will be removed from the ravine.
F ews release reached you in error, please contact our office at
-4404 so that we may correct the information in our
e.
6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 • Phone (206)433 -1808 • Records Fax (206)244 -6181