Spokane, Washington (October 22, 2025) — A pedestrian was critically injured Wednesday morning after being struck and trapped beneath a semi-truck owned by Avista Utilities in Spokane, according to local authorities.
Incident Details: The collision occurred around 10:40 a.m. at the intersection of East Indiana Avenue and North Columbus Street, prompting a significant response from the Spokane Fire Department and Spokane Police Department (SPD). First responders arrived to find a pedestrian pinned underneath the truck. After an extensive extrication effort, the victim was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Officials later confirmed that the truck driver, who remained at the scene, showed no signs of impairment and is cooperating fully with investigators. The crash prompted closures of nearby intersections at Indiana Avenue, Hamilton Street, and Columbus Street while authorities documented the scene and cleared debris. Spokane Fire crews have since left the area, but SPD’s Collision Investigation Unit continues to analyze the evidence.
Investigation: Spokane police have not yet released details on how the collision occurred. Investigators will likely review surveillance footage from nearby traffic and business cameras to determine whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk or had the right of way at the time of impact. They will also examine factors such as the truck’s speed, the driver’s line of sight, and the timing of nearby traffic signals.
Since the vehicle involved was an Avista Utilities commercial truck, investigators will review compliance with company safety protocols and federal trucking regulations. This includes inspection records, driver training requirements, and operational policies governing commercial vehicle movement in dense urban areas. In similar incidents, law enforcement typically examines whether blind spots, turning movements, or distractions contributed to the collision.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving pedestrians and large commercial vehicles are among the most devastating due to the truck’s weight and limited maneuverability. If investigators determine that driver inattention, unsafe speed, or failure to yield contributed to the crash, the driver and Avista Utilities could face civil liability under Washington law.
The injured pedestrian may be entitled to pursue a truck accident claim to recover damages for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. Companies operating fleet vehicles also have heightened obligations to ensure their drivers are properly trained and equipped to navigate city intersections safely.
My thoughts are with the injured pedestrian and their loved ones during this difficult time.
Source: KHQ News