1 Dead in Easton Car Accident
EASTON, WA (January 7, 2019) – A person died following multiple crashes on an icy 90 Freeway across Snoqualmie Pass on January 4.
As a result of the collision, both directions of the freeway was closed for multiple hours. Eastbound traffic was at North Bend’s Exit 34, while westbound traffic was being blocked at Ellensburg and Easton. It was 12:30 p.m. when the westbound traffic was reopened. However, eastbound lanes stayed unavailable until just before 8:00 p.m. due to an oil spill from an early morning collision.
Trooper John Bryant revealed that on the eastern side of the pass around 8 miles east of the summit, six crashes occurred in the westbound lanes between three semi trucks and three passenger cars. Meanwhile, in the eastbound lanes a mile away, multiple crashes between four semis and a car killed at least one person.
“Unfortunately, a lot of ice and we had collisions on both sides of the roadway in that area. Westbound around milepost 62 we had a bunch of individual collisions — semis and passenger cars sliding off the roadway, losing traction, causing a mess. Eastbound we had a bigger problem…we had one big collision scene involving four semis and one vehicle, and one of the semis rolled over,” Bryant stated.
It was unclear whether there are other people injured in the collision.
The temperatures reached in the mid-30s for the night with mostly rain. However, it dropped to 32 degrees in the morning which led to ice formation on the road.
“You get toward morning when you get your lowest temperatures of the night. Sometimes an area of a roadway, you’ll get that glazing of ice and just a little bit will cause problems,” Bryant added.
Due to the freeway shut down, the Snoqualmie Summit ski resort’s opening was delayed.
Trooper Julie Fisher advised, “If you’re heading in that direction, make sure you pack all the things you need to be stuck in your vehicle. It can be a very cold and very unpleasant experience. I have seen some travelers who are stuck wearing shorts and didn’t have any water or necessities to be comfortable…making sure the car is running well, full of gas, and if something went terribly wrong, that you have everything to get through until we can get you some help.”
Our deepest thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased victim. We at Sweet Law Group wish them strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Reach out to the experienced lawyers at Sweet Law Group when involved in a serious traffic accident like a multi-car crash. We have over 40 years of experience in the legal field, and we know what it takes to win your case. Our attorneys and professional legal team have dealt with cases including car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, and disability. Untiringly, we will fight to achieve the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve. Call our offices at (800) 203-3061for a free consultation with a professional in your area. We can also be contacted by email, online chat, and text message 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.