In a devastating early morning accident, a motorcyclist and his passenger lost their lives after colliding with a Seattle Fire Department (SFD) truck on Monday. The incident took place around 3:16 a.m. at the intersection of Queen Anne Avenue North and North Ward Street.
According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), the motorcyclist was traveling eastbound on West Prospect Street at a high rate of speed when he struck the side of the fire truck, which was headed southbound on Queen Anne Avenue North with its lights activated in response to an emergency call. The impact was severe, leaving significant damage to the SFD vehicle.
Emergency personnel quickly arrived on the scene, where the motorcyclist was pronounced dead. His passenger, also a man in his 30s, received immediate medical attention from SFD personnel before being transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
“This is probably one of those worst-case scenarios,” remarked SPD Detective Eric Munoz during an interview at the crash site. “This is an extremely difficult incident to endure for all of our first responders.” Munoz confirmed that no SFD personnel were injured in the collision.
The intersection has been closed as the SPD Traffic Collision Investigative Squad processes the scene, and further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As the community mourns the loss of two lives, this tragic accident highlights the dangers on the road and the risks emergency responders face while on duty. The identities of the deceased men have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
Authorities urge drivers and motorcyclists alike to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws, particularly in areas where emergency vehicles are present.