Subaru Crash on Admiral Way Bridge Leaves Driver Trapped

In a dramatic incident on the Admiral Way Bridge in West Seattle, a woman found herself trapped inside her overturned Subaru, prompting a swift response from Seattle firefighters. The crash, which occurred near an active construction zone, left the bridge closed as emergency crews worked to free the driver from the vehicle.

Unexpected Incident Sparks Rescue Effort

Crash Reported on Bridge

Seattle firefighters were called to the Admiral Way Bridge near Walnut Avenue Southwest around 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday after a driver crashed their Subaru in the area. The vehicle had ended up on its side, trapping the driver inside.

Firefighters Respond to Free Trapped Driver

Upon arrival, firefighters immediately set to work, closing both directions of the bridge to facilitate the rescue operation. Using specialized equipment, they carefully cut the roof off the vehicle to free the trapped driver, an elderly woman, from the overturned Subaru.

Witness Recounts the Incident

Andy Stoltenberg, who was at a nearby Starbucks when the incident occurred, heard the commotion and went to investigate. He was unsure of the exact circumstances that led to the car ending up on its side, but speculated that the ongoing construction work in the area may have played a role.

Construction Worker Provides Insight

Travis Schleif, a construction worker at the scene, spoke with firefighters and shared their assessment that the driver, an elderly woman, had likely hit the bridge rail. Schleif believed the woman's impaired vision, potentially due to foggy windows, may have contributed to the crash.

Driver's Condition and Outcome

Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, the authorities indicated that the elderly driver was expected to be okay. The swift response and coordinated efforts of the firefighters ensured the safe extraction of the trapped individual, minimizing the potential for further harm.

Ongoing Investigation and Implications

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities exploring the possibility of construction-related factors or a medical emergency as potential contributing factors. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution, especially in areas undergoing infrastructure improvements, to ensure the safety of all road users.