North Bend, WA (September 3, 2025) – A two-truck collision on I-90 near North Bend caused major delays Wednesday morning after one of the semis overturned and spilled its load, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Accident Details:
The crash occurred around 6:00 a.m. near Exit 38 on westbound I-90. Authorities report that two semi-trucks were involved in the collision, with one ending up on its side and blocking all lanes. Debris and cargo were scattered across the freeway, creating significant traffic delays for morning commuters. No serious injuries were reported, though paramedics treated both drivers at the scene.
One of the trucks, according to eyewitnesses, appeared to lose control while merging, resulting in the secondary impact. The overturned semi required hours of recovery efforts, including heavy-duty tow trucks and cleanup crews to remove spilled materials. The closure lasted into the late morning.
Investigation and Legal Considerations:
Washington State Patrol is investigating whether speed, driver fatigue, or a merging violation contributed to the wreck. In truck-on-truck collisions, fault may lie with one or both operators, especially if traffic laws or safety regulations were violated. Mechanical failure, driver distraction, or load shift may also be factors.
Although no major injuries occurred, trucking companies and insurers may face liability for cleanup costs, cargo losses, and infrastructure damage. If evidence reveals negligence, further civil penalties may apply. Crashes involving commercial trucks are governed by both federal and state safety regulations, and compliance records may be reviewed during the investigation.
Truck accidents like this highlight the dangers of high-speed freight corridors and the importance of proper driver training, vehicle maintenance, and lane-change protocols. Even when no lives are lost, the economic and logistical impact can be significant—including lost delivery time, overtime for cleanup crews, and delays for thousands of commuters.
I hope both drivers involved in this crash experience a swift recovery and that I-90 traffic returns to normal for area residents and travelers.
Source: KIRO7