Cle Elum, WA (April 25, 2025) – A serious crash involving a commercial truck and a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) vehicle left one man injured on Tuesday morning along Interstate 90, approximately 11 miles west of Cle Elum. The collision occurred around 10:00 a.m. near milepost 74, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
Authorities say Eliazar Moreno, 60, of Moses Lake, was driving a 2010 Peterbilt tractor-trailer eastbound when he failed to move over for a marked lane closure in a designated work zone. His vehicle struck a stationary DOT truck that was parked in the closed lane as part of an active highway maintenance operation.
The driver of the DOT vehicle, 59-year-old Daryl Lee of Kittitas, was inside the truck at the time of the impact and was rushed to Kittitas Valley Hospital for treatment of injuries. Thankfully, both drivers were reported to be wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
WSP troopers cited Moreno for reckless driving, noting that neither drugs nor alcohol were contributing factors in the incident. The crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with Daryl Lee, and we wish him a full and swift recovery.
Work Zone Crashes on Washington Highways
Crashes in road construction zones continue to pose major safety challenges on highways like I-90, particularly when drivers fail to observe warning signs or reduce speed in designated closures. These collisions often place not just the public at risk, but also road maintenance crews and DOT workers, who rely on barriers and signage to stay protected while on the job.
Washington’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stationary emergency or work vehicles with flashing lights. Failure to follow this law can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly when large commercial vehicles are involved.
In this case, the fact that the DOT vehicle was properly stationed within a clearly marked closed lane underscores the tragic consequences of noncompliance. Such work zone incidents are entirely preventable and highlight the importance of increased driver awareness and accountability.
For injured workers like Daryl Lee, the road to recovery may involve not only medical care but also navigating workers’ compensation, time away from work, and legal considerations related to third-party negligence.
At Local Accident Reports, we’re committed to supporting injured roadway workers and their families. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a work zone or commercial vehicle crash, contact us today for help accessing legal support, recovery resources, and expert guidance to protect your rights and well-being.
