WSP: Sleepy truck driver crashes into tree off I-5

MARYSVILLE, Wash. -- Troopers say a sleepy truck driver was a few feet from a permanent sleep early Thursday morning after his semi truck veered off I-5 and struck a tree.

It was just after 5 a.m. when the B.C.-bound semi went off the right side of the northbound lanes of I-5 near the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall in Marysville and struck a tree.

The collision destroyed the cab and ripped apart the box trailer, strewing its contents across the area.

The driver survived with just minor injuries, but troopers say had the truck slid 5 feet farther to the right, the driver would likely have been killed.

Investigators believe the driver was sleepy or fell asleep -- he had been hauling food and auto parts from California on his way to British Columbia. Troopers do not believe drugs or alcohol were any factor.

The driver faces a ticket for running is truck of the road, but they haven't determined the exact infractions he'll face.