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Troopers seeking witnesses to fatal I-5 crash

Credit: KING

At least one person is dead after a fatal accident on I-5 in Tukwila, Wash.

by KING5.com

Posted on November 18, 2009 at 10:22 AM

Updated Wednesday, Nov 18 at 12:43 PM

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SEATTLE – State troopers are asking witnesses who saw a fatal rollover crash on Interstate 5 in Tukwila Wednesday morning to come forward.

The accident happened just after 6 a.m. in the southbound lanes at the I-5, Interstate 405, State Route 518 interchange. The Washington State Patrol says a white Ford Crown Victoria, operated by Stita Taxi, collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser, causing the SUV to roll over several times.

The driver of the Land Cruiser, who troopers say was not wearing a seat belt, was killed.

A third vehicle, a Toyota Camry, hit the rolled over Land Cruiser. The drivers of the Ford and the Camry were not hurt.

Up to five lanes of traffic were closed for three hours, causing a backup of at least three miles.

The Washington State Patrol are asking any witnesses who saw the crash or the events leading up to it to call Detective Ruth Medeiros at (425) 401-7719.
 

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cyrixlord said on November 18, 2009 at 10:32 AM

Remember, kids, if you don't listen to common sense now, you will certainly be hearing from Darwin later.

deniseh1006 said on November 18, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Of course the one that caused the accident didn't get hurt. It always seems to be this way.

tugthug said on November 18, 2009 at 12:28 PM

People often wonder why they install seat belts in every car. Now you know.

squiddd said on November 18, 2009 at 12:54 PM

From what I have seen of the way taxi cabs are recklessly driven between Seattle and the airport it was just a matter of time before something like this happened.

deniseh1006 said on November 18, 2009 at 1:28 PM

I jusr love the way that the story keeps getting changed. Why was it not in the origional story that the Ford was actually a taxi?I really wish they would get all the info from the police before posting the story.

pamby said on November 18, 2009 at 1:41 PM

I agree with squidd. While most taxi drivers are responsible and safe, there are others who are reckless and seemingly uncaring about the danger they present to others. I understand that they make money per fare and the sooner they are back to the airport or to a call the sooner they make more money, but is it worth someones life? In downtown Seattle the cabs can be very dangerous. They are scanning for fares and driving fast at the same time. Pedestrians have to be very careful. I have seen very few conscentious cab drivers downtown. Running red lights and turning against no turn on red signs are the worst. My significant other was hit by a cab crossing the street at 1st & Pike and the cab took off. He came back after the cops we called but tried to blame it on my s.o.. Of course that didn't work :) I also don't think they belong in HOV lanes when they are empty.

collegeguy said on November 18, 2009 at 3:36 PM

I am not saying this that taxi drivers are good because they are incredibly horrible. However, this story clearly does NOT state this accident was the taxis fault so all you people making assumptions that it was the taxis fault need to hold your ill gotten opinions to yourself.

deniseh1006 said on November 18, 2009 at 4:32 PM

collegeguy: Re-read the 2nd paragraph: The Washington State Patrol says a white Ford Crown Victoria, operated by Stita Taxi, collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser, causing the SUV to roll over several times. If the SUV had hit the taxi it wold have said that the SUV collided with them not the other way around.

mikebillak said on November 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM

It sounds to me that it was a combination of a multiple factors, as is always the case in any type of accidents. The SUV driver wasn't wearing a seat belt, the taxi driver may have been going to fast and made a last minute lane change to Seatac, the Camry driver may have been following too close, the freeway was wet from rain and it was dark outside. There may have been the possibility of one of these drivers on the cell phone talking or texting as well. Just very sad this had to happen. Even though Seattle drivers have the reputation for driving very slow, when it's wet on the road and dark still, this is a good situation where driving a little slower (or at least maintain the speed limit) would be beneficial and safe. It may have not resulted in this if all these driver's were more attentive and aware.

magic said on November 18, 2009 at 9:31 PM

I saw the SUV (Land Cruiser) it looked like it was T-boned by a semi! The site was almost cleared when I passed through, but my husband went through just about the time of the accident. He saw the vehicle covered with a tarp or something and it was still flipped. Sad, sad!

dakotanative said on November 19, 2009 at 6:45 AM

The taxis are no different than the truckers out there. Their job is to get from point A ro point B as quick as possible. If you get in the way, you are going to get ran over. If you cut them off, you are a bad driver. If they cut you off, you are a bad driver.

zlsne said on November 19, 2009 at 9:42 AM

Remember that his man had a family and that they are hurting right now - no matter whose fault it was! They are all in our thoughts and prayers!