September 22, 2023
Lakewood, Wash. – Investigators have identified a second vehicle that may have been involved in the incident. Washington State Patrol Troopers are seeking help from the public in gathering further details about the vehicle as they work to locate it.
The vehicle is described as a white, newer model Ford heavy duty pickup (F-350 or larger) towing a car hauler trailer. The truck has a color matched front bumper, chrome grille, LED headlights, and has a DOT number posted on the side. Investigators believe it may be a Lariat trim level or higher. Witnesses told investigators the wheel involved in the incident came from the right side of the rearmost axle on the trailer being towed by the truck.
The truck was seen traveling northbound on Interstate 5 prior to the incident, passing Mounts Road at 5:16 a.m., and is believed to have continued northbound after losing the wheel.
Two men died early Thursday morning when a loose wheel smashed through the windshield of the van they were riding in. Washington State Patrol (WSP) Troopers are seeking witnesses to the incident.
At approximately 5:35 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, a maroon Ford Econoline van carrying eight passengers was headed northbound on Interstate 5 just south of the Bridgeport Way exit. Without warning, a wheel crashed through the windshield of the van, striking several occupants. Tragically, two passengers in the van died on scene. One additional victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The other five occupants were not injured.
WSP Troopers are asking witnesses, as well as anyone who may have additional information about the circumstances surrounding the event to contact Trooper Cody Fath via email at cody.fath@wsp.wa.gov or by phone at (360) 764-0922.
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