Semitruck crash on Blewett Pass sends driver to hospital, delays traffic

BLEWETT PASS — A semitruck crash on State Route 97 injured one person and caused prolonged traffic delays on Oct. 5.

According to Washington State Patrol (WSP), the semitruck was traveling southbound on SR-97 near milepost 169.6. It then crossed into the northbound lane, struck a WSDOT sign and several trees, and came to rest in the northbound ditch facing southbound. The driver, 50-year-old Brian Braker of Catasauqua, Pa., was transported to Cascade Medical Center for injuries. The semi and trailer were totaled. The accident caused alternating traffic along SR-97 for about five hours, WSP said.

The agency said no drugs or alcohol were involved, but investigators were still determining the cause of the collision.