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News brief: Sleepy semi driver okay after spectacular wreck

2016-1201-i5mess [1]

Diesel fuel and sulfuric acid are cleaned up on I-5 near milepost 78 on Thursday. / Courtesy photo by Washington State Patrol

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – The driver of the semi truck that wrecked on Interstate 5 in Chehalis yesterday was listed in satisfactory condition this morning.

The Washington State Patrol reports they believe the 44-year-old man from Lakewood fell asleep. His northbound truck crashed through the center barrier and landed on its side beneath the West Street bridge.

The southbound lanes were closed for about eight hours while the wreckage and mess was cleaned up after the approximately 6:30 a.m. collision.

The 2016 International tractor and trailer were totaled.

Tanu V. Teloma was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital and then airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

His is being charged with negligent driving, according to the state patrol.
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For background, read “News brief: One injured, I-5 closed southbound at Chehalis” from Thursday December 1, 2016 at 8:20 a.m., here [2]