A significant traffic incident occurred near the west end of the Hood Canal Bridge on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in road closures that lasted for several hours, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
In a social media update, WSP detailed that a trailer truck towing a garbage truck lost control while traveling east on Highway 104 and subsequently collided with a utility pole. Trooper Katherine Weatherwax confirmed that the tow truck’s brakes were malfunctioning, which played a crucial role in the accident. Additionally, the vehicle was found to be leaking fuel, necessitating its removal from the scene.
The crash led to the closure of the Hood Canal Bridge, causing significant traffic congestion in both directions. By around 4 p.m., the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Trooper Weatherwax reported that traffic was beginning to alternate through the area, although delays persisted.
The traffic disruption had further repercussions, leading to the cancellation of several high school basketball games that were scheduled for Tuesday night. Teams impacted included North Mason, Sequim, Bainbridge, and Port Angeles.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported as a result of the incident, highlighting the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety checks to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the area continues to recover from this incident, it serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by unexpected road closures and the ripple effects they can have on community events.