Semi-truck accident halts traffic at Tyler

By DAVID TELLER

Staff Reporter

Traffic at the Tyler overpass on SR-904 was delayed for about 30 minutes on Jan. 12 when a semi-truck overturned and skidded on its side for before coming to a stop blocking traffic and injuring the driver.

Washington State Trooper Chad Kinder said just before 5 p.m. the truck failed to negotiate the 25 mph bend just south of Interstate 90 that leads to the Tyler overpass. The truck's trailer slid off the road first, which pulled the rest of the truck onto its side.

“The fog and speed issue is a huge element,” Kinder said of the cause of the accident.

Robert Dilger of Kennewick was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center with minor injuries. According to paperwork in the truck owned by Dilger's company, James J. Williams Bulk Service Transport, he was loaded with flour in Cheney and was headed to Pasco at the time of the accident.

Though excessive speed was likely the cause, Kinder said he believes Dilger is diabetic and is investigating whether the medical condition was a factor in the accident. Paramedics checked Dilger's blood sugar level on site.

After extracting Dilger from the wrecked truck, crews from Washington State First Responder and from Spokane County Fire District No. 3 controlled oil spilled on the roadway from the truck's engine. Neither the truck's bulk freight nor fuel was spilled in the accident.

Washington State Patrol intends to cite Dilger for driving too fast for conditions.

Kinder said further charges against Dilger are pending investigation.

David Teller can be reached at [email protected]