Tow truck driver hit by suspected DUI driver airlifted to hospital

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol said a tow truck driver was airlifted to Tacoma General Hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a pickup truck on northbound State Route 7 near Elbe after 10 p.m. Wednesday.

According to State Patrol, the 26-year-old tow truck driver was standing on the road hooking up a vehicle involved in a prior crash when he was struck.

The 23-year-old man driving the Dodge Dakota pickup was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, troopers said. He was not injured.

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According to State Patrol, the truck driver will be charged with vehicular assault and third-degree driving with a suspended license.

The crash caused the road to be blocked for more than three hours.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Cox Media Group