EVERETT — A 49-year-old Edmonds man was arrested for investigation of drunken driving Wednesday after his pickup truck rolled onto its side on I-5, backing up traffic for seven miles.
Southbound traffic between Marysville and Everett was slowed to a crawl after the 11 a.m. accident.
Troopers believe the man’s 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche struck a southbound vehicle near Marysville and continued down the highway. An Arlington woman, 55, was not injured. She was able to drive from the scene, Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary said.
The Edmonds man’s pickup eventually left the roadway to the left and struck a concrete barrier. That caused the truck to rotate and roll over, Leary said. The pickup ended up on its passenger side.
The pickup driver was taken by ambulance to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett where he was treated for a cut to the head and other minor injuries, Leary said. He was driving alone.
“Toxicology results are pending,” Leary said. “Alcohol is a factor in this collision.”
The accident occurred just north of the Snohomish River. Traffic was snarled past 88th Street in Marysville.
Many drivers tried to bypass the accident through alternative routes in Everett.
Medic crews from Everett and Marysville were on the scene.
“We were fortunate no one else seriously injured,” Leary said. “It could have been a lot worse.”
Once it reached the accident scene, the tow truck company was able to remove the pickup in nine minutes, clearing the highway by 11:45 a.m.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com
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