The Washington State Patrol says that falling asleep at the wheel was the cause of a collision that blocked State Route 12 Westbound on Tuesday for several hours. 

The collision occurred on August 17th 2021 just before 3:00 pm when a 59-year-old Tukwila man driving a 2015 Kenworth Semi Truck tractor pulling a trailer was traveling westbound State Route 12 and had passed Clemons Road approaching Bryrwood Drive when he fell asleep.  The vehicle left the roadway to the right and rolled onto its side coming to rest blocking both westbound lanes.

The driver was transported to Community Hospital for his injuries.  There were also reports of a dog that had been in the vehicle with him, that was later caught.  Washington State Patrol Officers transported the k9 to the Aberdeen Animal Shelter for care while the man was at the hospital. 

The Tukwila man is facing Negligent Driving charges. 

The westbound lanes were closed for 5 hours.