I-90 reopened after semi crashes, bursts into flames on central Washington bridge

All lanes of Interstate 90 were closed for several hours Sunday morning when a semi truck crashed on the Vantage Bride, spilling several gallons of diesel fuel before catching on fire.

The fully-loaded truck, driven by 57-year-old Arthur Butler, apparently hit a slick spot while heading eastbound on the central Washington bridge. It subsequently crashed into the concrete jersey barriers in the middle lane, pushing them into the westbound lanes, said trooper John Bryant. One of the barriers punctured the truck’s fuel tank, spilling diesel fuel on the roadway which caught fire.

Bryant said a man in a pickup truck witnessed the crash, and was able to help Butler out of the truck uninjured before it burst into flames.

“He was fine,” Bryand said. “Not a scratch.”

Troopers and Department of Transportation officials spent several hours clearing the roadway of debris, including putting sand on the roadway to counteract the slick diesel fuel. Westbound lanes were reopened at about 10 a.m. Eastbound, at about noon.

Bryant said officials were staying on scene to slow traffic as drivers approached the area.

No other vehicles were involved in the collision. There were no injuries.