Unsecured load hits car on I-5
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. -- A Kirkland woman and her companion say they were nearly killed by a piece of flying debris that flew off of the back of a truck on Interstate 5.
For two friends who hit Interstate 5 early Monday morning to head to Skagit County, the day was supposed to be filled with beautiful, blooming tulips.
But something very ugly happened along the way.
"All of the sudden, out of nowhere within a split second, I saw a large chunk of something that didn't really have a shape come off a generic delivery truck in front of us," said Chrissy Gumbos.
Whatever it was, it rocked Gombos' Ford Focus like a small explosion. The fallen debris severely damaged the undercarriage of the car, bent a front axle and punctured the gas tank.
"The noise was so loud, Wendy, my passenger who was knitting, thought we had hit a car," said Gombos.
Terrified, Gombos managed to safely pull off the highway in Marysville. So much gas had leaked out onto the road that a special pump truck had to be called in.
Gombos believes the driver of the car in front of her likely had no idea something flew off the truck and into her car.
But whether they know it or not, drivers who fail to secure a load that causes injury or death can face jail time and a$5,000 fine. Charges can also be filed if unsecured items cause property damage.
Gombos said she is, above all, incredibly thankful, knowing she and her friend could have met a very different ending.
"(In a different scenario) the projectile item would have gone through the windshield. And the place where we had our car towed said had it gone through he windshield, it would have killed us both," she said.
And after such a close call, Gombos has a new respect for all the potential dangers that can pop up on the highway when you least expect it.
"More cautious drivers for me on this interstate, and hopefully trying to bring more awareness to situations like this," she said.
Gombos added she was surprised to see no one stopped to help her, even though she was certain other drivers saw the flying debris hit her car and roll down the highway.
The Washington State Patrol would like to hear from anyone who witnessed Gombos' crash. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact troopers.
For two friends who hit Interstate 5 early Monday morning to head to Skagit County, the day was supposed to be filled with beautiful, blooming tulips.
But something very ugly happened along the way.
"All of the sudden, out of nowhere within a split second, I saw a large chunk of something that didn't really have a shape come off a generic delivery truck in front of us," said Chrissy Gumbos.
Whatever it was, it rocked Gombos' Ford Focus like a small explosion. The fallen debris severely damaged the undercarriage of the car, bent a front axle and punctured the gas tank.
"The noise was so loud, Wendy, my passenger who was knitting, thought we had hit a car," said Gombos.
Terrified, Gombos managed to safely pull off the highway in Marysville. So much gas had leaked out onto the road that a special pump truck had to be called in.
Gombos believes the driver of the car in front of her likely had no idea something flew off the truck and into her car.
But whether they know it or not, drivers who fail to secure a load that causes injury or death can face jail time and a$5,000 fine. Charges can also be filed if unsecured items cause property damage.
Gombos said she is, above all, incredibly thankful, knowing she and her friend could have met a very different ending.
"(In a different scenario) the projectile item would have gone through the windshield. And the place where we had our car towed said had it gone through he windshield, it would have killed us both," she said.
And after such a close call, Gombos has a new respect for all the potential dangers that can pop up on the highway when you least expect it.
"More cautious drivers for me on this interstate, and hopefully trying to bring more awareness to situations like this," she said.
Gombos added she was surprised to see no one stopped to help her, even though she was certain other drivers saw the flying debris hit her car and roll down the highway.
The Washington State Patrol would like to hear from anyone who witnessed Gombos' crash. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact troopers.