Interstate 5 near Lewis-Thurston county line. / Courtesy photo by Riverside Fire Authority
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The fire department reported two victims with minor injuries in a freeway collision that left a semi on its side with its trailer stuck on the center barrier this morning.
It happened about 9 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 north of Centralia.
Almost three hours later when the vehicles were cleared from the roadway, motorists were advised delays would continue because traffic was backed up for at least six miles.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the 55-year-old driver of a 2002 International box truck and trailer failed to slow for a Toyota RAV4 which had slowed for traffic.
They blamed driver inattention.
Craig M. Maxey, of Beaverton, Oregon, was cited for second-degree negligent driving, according to the state patrol. His truck was totaled.
The RAV4 which was struck in its rear, with Annette F. Rose, 55, of Stanwood, behind the wheel, was able to be driven away from the scene, the investigating trooper reports.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Thank you for publishing this. It was me that the driver hit before flipping. I am thankful that I am just a little banged up and sore. Mentally not so well. Every time I think of what might of been? What if he hit me over one more foot? I probably wouldn’t be here to comment. What I am most angry about was I saw a good half mile away that traffic was slowing to all but a stop. How could someone pulling all that weight not be so attentive? My only good word for him is that he managed to steer away from everyone else. Thank you to WSP for their concern and kindness through this ordeal. They were great!
Mr. Peabody your genius is showing!
I would rather have a drunk driver covering one eye and trying to look at the road than a texting and driving. Driver starring at their stupid phone.