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Driver of SUV dies in crash into WSDOT truck

EVERETT, Wash. — The driver of an SUV was killed in a crash into a Washington State Department of Transportation truck that was on the left shoulder of Interstate 5 in Everett.

Troopers say the Ford Explorer burst into flames when it crashed into the back of the WSDOT traffic control truck and flipped over in the northbound lanes just north of Everett Mall Way at about 3 a.m. Investigators say there was no indication the driver tried to stop before the crash.

“It’s hard to explain or understand why somebody would be on the left shoulder, driving fast and not noticing a big truck with warning signs on a lit street. It’s difficult to understand, but unfortunately, it happens relatively frequently,” said Washington State Patrol Sgt. Chris Caiolia.

The driver of the WSDOT truck has a minor leg injury. After the crash, the worker tried to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher as the SUV burned, but was unable to save the driver.

The two left lanes were blocked for several hours.