Fatal interstate crash caused by in-road water heater, police say

A devastating automobile accident that transpired on a major interstate in the state of Washington on Tuesday, resulting in the fatalities of two individuals, has been attributed to an in-road water heater, according to police.

The collision, which occurred shortly after 1 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, while two others suffered serious injuries, stated Sgt. Bob Kappel of the Washington State Patrol.

Kappel reported that authorities were first alerted to the incident when a local resident observed a large water heater that was protruding into the roadway, and subsequently alerted law enforcement officials.

“It appears the water heater had been knocked loose from its moorings and it rolled into the path of the oncoming vehicles,” said Kappel.

It is believed that the water heater was initially dislodged when a passing semi-truck struck it.

Upon investigation, police have determined that the water heater had been improperly secured, allowing it to become dislodged and subsequently to cause the collision.

Kappel stated that police are currently in the process of reviewing footage from surveillance cameras in the area in an effort to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.

The accident has sparked a safety inquiry concerning the propriety of in-road water heater installations, and the necessity of rigorous maintenance protocols.

The names of the deceased have yet to be released pending notification of their family members.

The devastating automobile accident that transpired on a major interstate in Washington on Tuesday, resulting in the fatalities of two individuals, has been attributed to a water heater that had been improperly secured, according to police.

Sgt. Bob Kappel of the Washington State Patrol declared that the collision, which occurred shortly after 1 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5, claimed the lives of two individuals, while two others suffered serious injuries.

Kappel reported that the water heater had been knocked loose from its moorings when a passing semi-truck struck it, and subsequently rolled into the path of the oncoming vehicles.

The incident has sparked a safety inquiry concerning the necessity of robust maintenance protocols for in-road water heater installations, as well as a review of footage from surveillance cameras in the area in an effort to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

The names of the deceased have yet to be released pending notification of their family members.