BRUCE, Adams County, Wash., Oct. 22, 2026 — A semi-truck driver suffered serious injuries on Wednesday morning, October 21, when a train struck the truck near Booker Rd and West Lee Rd in the unincorporated community of Bruce. The Adams County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened as the driver attempted to cross the railroad tracks.
The driver, a Warden, Washington resident, was airlifted to an out-of-area hospital for treatment. No further details about the driver, including age or gender, have been released.
Investigators said it appears the semi was traveling above the posted speed limit and failed to yield at the crossing. The train was moving at a low speed at the time of impact, and the crossing is marked with standard signage directing drivers to yield. No criminal charges are pending against the truck driver at this time.
A commercial vehicle inspector with the Washington State Patrol assisted with the investigation, the sheriff's office said. Adams County officials said the crossing had already been flagged for safety upgrades before the crash, with that work currently in the planning stage.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Local Crash Information for Bruce, WA
The train crash was reported at Booker Rd and West Lee Rd in Bruce. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Adams County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partially beneath a larger truck or train car during a collision, usually increasing the severity of injuries because the vehicle's safety structure doesn't make contact as designed.
What typically causes large-truck accidents?
Common factors include speeding, failing to yield at intersections or crossings, driver fatigue, mechanical problems, and limited visibility. Investigators usually look at all of these when reconstructing a crash.
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Yes. Long hours behind the wheel can slow reaction time and impair judgment, which is why commercial drivers are subject to federal hours of service limits.
What to Do After a Train Collision in Bruce, Washington
If you're involved in a collision with a train, stay in place only if it's safe and call 911 immediately. Move away from the tracks if possible, since additional trains may use the same line. Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation, since shock can mask pain or internal injury in the hours after a crash. Cooperate with responding deputies or troopers and get a copy of the incident report once it's available. If a commercial vehicle is involved, agencies like the Washington State Patrol may conduct a separate inspection, so ask how to follow up on that process.
