A semi truck lays on its side in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near about eight miles south of Chehalis. / Courtesy photo by Washington State Patrol.
Updated 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A semi truck traveling northbound on Interstate 5 lost control of its trailer and slid on its side some 150 yards, blocking the roadway earlier this morning.
The 2005 International truck with two trailers was totaled as was a van that ran into one of the trailers, according to the Washington State Patrol.
It happened about 3 a.m. near milepost 68 south of Chehalis.
The state patrol reported the van’s driver, Michael H. Houseman, 42, of Rochester, was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital with chest pain as well as cuts to his face and arms. However, Lewis County Fire District 15 said he was picked up by a helicopter at Winlock High School and taken elsewhere.
The state patrol said his passenger, Gregory L. Aline, 20, also of Rochester, was unhurt, but District 15 Assistant Chief Kevin Anderson said the passenger was taken to Providence Centralia Hospital.
The semi truck driver, from Kent, is said to be uninjured.
The cause of the wreck is under investigation.
Trooper Ryan Tanner said at 8:30 a.m. the freeway lanes just re-opened.
However, another collision at about 8 o’clock this morning has shut down the northbound lanes at milepost 63, near the Toledo-Winlock state Route 505 interchange, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Traffic is being detoured around the closure, according to DOT spokesperson Heidi Sause.
A 1990 Plymouth Voyager van crashed into one of the trailers. / Courtesy photo by Washington State Patrol.
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