Driver of logging truck that caught fire after crash in Lincoln County found safe at his nearby home

A semitruck carrying logs left the roadway, rolled and caught fire early Wednesday morning – but when crews went to check on the driver, he couldn’t be found.

That’s because he was safe and sound at his home nearby.

“I know it’s a fairly rural area, and there’s not many people around,” said Washington State Patrol Trooper Jeff Sevigney. “He may or may not have been able to get on his cellphone.”

The semi apparently left the roadway about 3:30 a.m. on state Highway 231, about 11 miles north of Reardan in Lincoln County. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and since it happened off the roadway, traffic was unaffected.

Drugs nor alcohol were not a factor, though it is possible the driver fell asleep, officials said.

“There doesn’t seem to be any criminal activity in the matter,” Sevigney said.