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Kelso, WA - Multiple agencies responded to a two-vehicle accident including a semi-truck rollover accident Friday evening at 11:23 near the Interstate 5 Southbound off-ramp, exit 42. Initial reports were that the driver of the semi-truck was still pinned in the truck on its side. Washington State Patrol, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Longview Fire Dept. and Cowlitz County Fire District 6 (Castle Rock) responded. Firefighters used multiple stabilizing equipment, hydraulic extrication tools (jaws of life), and saws to manipulate and remove the entangled metal from around the man’s body. It took rescuers over 2 hours to finally extricate him. The 57-year-old -male was transported by ambulance to Peace Health St. John’s Medical Center for muscular skeletal injuries including a severe injury to his lower left leg. He was later transferred South to a trauma hospital for further treatment. The other driver of a passenger truck was also taken to St. John’s Medical Center for chest pain.
Two fire engines, one ladder truck, three medic units, and three Chief Officers responded. A heavy tow truck wrecker from Carl’s Towing also responded and assisted in stabilizing and moving the truck so responders could gain better access to the driver compartment.
Multiple responders, some with over 20 years of experience, expressed that this was one of the most challenging and complex car accidents, involving extrication of a patient, they had experienced in their careers.