Driver killed in U.S. 2 head-on crash involving septic truck

Published 1:30 am Thursday, September 13, 2018

MONROE — One driver was killed and another injured in a head-on collision Thursday morning along U.S. 2.

The crash, around 8 a.m., involved a Peterbilt septic tanker truck and a GMC pickup, Washington State Patrol trooper Heather Axtman said.

The tanker truck was headed east, driven by an Everett man, 27.

Michael P. Higgins, 55, of Startup, was westbound in the GMC, hauling a cargo trailer. Higgins suffered fatal injuries.

The crash occurred near Roosevelt Road between Snohomish and Monroe.

Investigators believe the tanker truck driver tried to slow for traffic and crossed into oncoming traffic, striking the GMC. Both vehicles were totaled and impounded.

The tanker truck driver was taken to a Kirkland-area hospital for medical treatment, officials said. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Both directions of U.S. 2 were closed between the west intersection with Roosevelt Road and the Fryelands Boulevard intersection on the east. The highway reopened around 1:45 p.m.

The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate what happened leading up to the fatality. There was no indication of alcohol or drugs as factors.

The state is looking at installing concrete median barriers along a stretch of U.S. 2. However, that proposal concerns an area closer to Snohomish. About half of the crash deaths on that highway in Snohomish County are caused by drivers crossing the centerline.