1 killed as car slams into Pierce Co. bridge
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - A 49-year-old Orting man was killed after his car slammed into a bridge early Sunday on Highway 162 in Pierce County.
State troopers say the driver was speeding at the time of the crash. It has not been determined if alcohol or drugs were involved.
The collision shut down the 136th Street East Bridge for more than five hours, as Transportation Department inspectors examined the span to make sure it was safe to drive across.
State troopers were called to the scene, on Highway 162 just east of 136th Street, about six miles from Orting, at about 3:15 a.m.
Investigators said a 1993 Ford Escort driven by Sandy L. Redding of Orting was heading east on the highway when he lost control of the car and slammed into the bridge. The car came to rest in the middle of the bridge.
Redding was rushed to Tacoma General Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
State troopers say the driver was speeding at the time of the crash. It has not been determined if alcohol or drugs were involved.
The collision shut down the 136th Street East Bridge for more than five hours, as Transportation Department inspectors examined the span to make sure it was safe to drive across.
State troopers were called to the scene, on Highway 162 just east of 136th Street, about six miles from Orting, at about 3:15 a.m.
Investigators said a 1993 Ford Escort driven by Sandy L. Redding of Orting was heading east on the highway when he lost control of the car and slammed into the bridge. The car came to rest in the middle of the bridge.
Redding was rushed to Tacoma General Hospital, where he died of his injuries.