Fatal crash between dump truck and car closes Thurston County highway
A section of Old Highway 99 was closed after a fatal crash between a dump truck and a car Monday morning, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
About 9 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the highway, between Tenino and Tilley Road.
Both vehicles caught on fire; the driver of the car died at the scene, Lt. Mike Brooks said.
Details about the crash were not immediately available, although the car was in the truck’s lane, Brooks said.
Brooks estimated that the highway in that area would be closed for four hours, he said.
The road has reopened, but speeds were temporarily reduced because it was slick, the sheriff’s office said in a social media update about 7 p.m. Monday.
Drivers were asked to use alternate routes in the area.
Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock said Monday his office was still working to identify the person in the car.
The truck driver was taken to an area hospital, South Thurston Fire officials said in a news release.
In addition to South Thurston Fire, West Thurston and Tumwater fire departments also responded and provided assistance, according to the release.
This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 11:57 AM.
