Semi Hauling Fuel Trailer Crashes Near Orondo

A semi hauling a fuel trailer was traveling southbound on US 97 just north of Orondo at about 3:49 am Thursday when it lost control and then lost its trailer.

Trooper John Bryant says the empty fuel trailer left the southbound lane and became lodged in a tree.

The semi, driven by 29-year-old Kenneth J. Pierce of Moses Lake, went through the guard rail on the northbound side, down a 10 foot embankment, and overturned 40 feet off of the road .

Washington State Patrol trooper John Bryant said no traffic was impacted, and that they are still investigating the crash.

"If it's somehow proven or they admit that they fell asleep or were drowsy, then that could be negligent driving second degree. He could still be cited for that as well based on how far he went off of the road and the damage caused." added Byrant, "That jumps up a $139 for 'wheels off roadway' (fine) to a $553 fine for negligent driving second degree."

The driver was initially was trapped in the semi but was eventually extricated and treated at the scene.

According to Douglas County Fire District #4, twelve first responders from Orondo Fire, Ballard Ambulance and the Washington State Patrol were on-scene as well as four fire apparatus.