Updated on: 10/12/2021
A Semi-Truck transporting liquid nitrogen crashed on the replacement section of the new Skagit River Bridge early Wednesday morning, drawing the attention of inspectors.
The truck struck the side of the barrier as it approached the bridge, spilling its contents onto the roadway and bridge support system as it continued on.
Liquid nitrogen is as cool as negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit and is known for being able to freeze objects, making them incredibly brittle.
Bridge inspectors from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) arrived at the scene early Wednesday morning after reports of the accident and eventually determined the bridge was not compromised by the freezing temperatures.
Understanding the History of the Skagit River Bridge Accident.
The 2013 Skagit River bridge collapse lead to a major investigation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) which concluded that both the driver in that collision and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) were responsible for the collapse siting a lack of warning for the low clearance on the part of the WSDOT and a lack of planning on the part of the trucking company.
According to the WSDOT there is a program in place to address bridges like the Skagit River Bridge across the state and attempt to update and remove low clearance areas, but that these programs have lacked funding and they are limited in how many can be updated at any given time.
Davis Law Group represented a couple who were injured in the 2013 collapse and assisted them not only with their claim but with managing the world of things around their claim including media interviews and managing care and treatment.
Bridge collapse accidents have been happening in our state for more than 100 years and existing bridges that have not been updated since the 2013 Skagit River bridge accident pose a danger to the drivers who use them every day.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident and have questions about your claim, the award-winning team of car accident attorneys at Davis Law Group are on your side offering free case evaluations to accident victims and their loved ones online or over the phone.
To request your free case evaluation today call 206-727-4000 or use the chat or contact options on this page 24 hours a day seven days a week.
