Seattle, Washington – Five People Injured When Truck Collides with Cars, Crashes Into Store

Seattle, Washington (August 19, 2019) – A total of five people sustained injuries when a truck driver lost control and collided with a pedestrian, several cars and crashed into the Subway at Yesler Way. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries. Three drivers from the struck vehicles as well as the truck driver sustained minor injuries, and along with the pedestrian were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. One person was also reported to have sustained minor injuries and was in the custody of the Seattle Police Department. Two workers in the store were unharmed in the incident.

The incident began on 1st Avenue and Yesler Way just before 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning. The truck was said to have been afflicted with catastrophic mechanical failure, causing the vehicle to hit a pedestrian at the corner of 2nd Avenue and James Street. The driver tried to control the vehicle, but was unable to prevent the truck from colliding with other vehicles on the street. The truck ended up crashing into the Subway sandwich shop. Aside from the damage to the shop, the building was also evacuated due to structural damage. The crash caused major traffic disruptions, with drivers asked to avoid James Street between the 1st and 3rd Avenues.

About Vehicle Accidents

From data gathered on car crashes into buildings, the cause was usually operator error or pedal error. For operator errors, drivers usually accelerated or were at high speeds, or were in the wrong gear. Pedal error means that drivers stepped on the gas when they meant to step on the brake. Other, smaller factors for crashing into buildings are situation-based, such as driving under influence, traffic accidents, weather conditions or medical emergencies. A very small percentage are for people who intentionally ram buildings to commit theft. From these causes, lack of control is a common feature.

Because of the crash site, the threat of injuries applies not only to the occupants of the car but also people inside the building. Damage can also be done to either the car or the struck building. As always, we urge everyone to drive with caution and practice safe driving wherever you go. Doing so minimizes damage and injuries you can inflict not only on yourself, but on others as well. If you have however become a victim of a vehicle accident of any sort, we extend our sympathies and compassion.

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