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DUPONT, Pierce County, Wash., Oct. 6, 2026 — A child suffered broken bones in a rollover crash involving an SUV and a semi-truck on Monday morning, October 5, on southbound I-5 near DuPont, according to the Washington State Patrol. The driver is also accused of stabbing one of the two children in the vehicle after the crash.
The crash happened around 9 a.m. near exit 118, according to troopers. A woman driving an SUV with two children aboard reportedly struck the left-side barrier, swerved to the right shoulder, then crossed back and collided with a semi-truck traveling in the middle lane. The SUV hit the barrier a second time and rolled over before coming to rest near the exit.
A 9-year-old girl riding in the SUV suffered multiple broken bones. The Washington State Patrol said the driver threatened the children with a knife after the crash and that the same 9-year-old was stabbed. A 15-year-old girl also in the vehicle was not seriously hurt. Two soldiers who stopped at the scene intervened.
The driver, a 35-year-old woman from Steilacoom, was taken to a hospital for evaluation. She is under investigation for suspected DUI, vehicular assault, and first-degree assault, troopers said. The semi-truck driver was not injured, though the truck sustained reportable damage.
The cause of the initial crash remains under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
When Rollover Crashes on Highways Tend to Happen
Rollovers involving passenger vehicles and large trucks cluster at certain times of day more than people expect. Morning and evening commute hours bring heavier mixes of fast-moving trucks and passenger cars changing lanes, which raises the odds of a sideswipe or barrier strike that can trigger a rollover. Weekend and late-night hours add another risk factor: impaired or fatigued driving.
Weather and road surface play a role, too, but even on clear, dry mornings, a sudden steering correction at highway speed can send a vehicle into a barrier and tip it over. Once a vehicle rolls, unbelted occupants face much higher odds of serious injury or death.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 24 percent of fatally injured occupants in crashes classified as other, which were mostly rollovers, were belted in 2023. That gap highlights how much seat belt use matters in rollover crashes, regardless of the hour or season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes large-truck crashes?
Common factors include driver fatigue, following too closely, sudden lane changes by nearby vehicles, and mechanical issues. Investigators look at speed, road conditions, and both drivers' actions before determining a cause.
How can passenger vehicles share the road with trucks more safely?
Give trucks extra following distance, avoid lingering in blind spots, and pass fully before merging back into a lane. Trucks need more space and time to react or stop.
Does fatigue play a role in truck-involved crashes?
Yes. Long hours behind the wheel can slow reaction time for any driver involved, and fatigue is one of several factors investigators routinely check in crash reports.
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck?
Call 911, move to safety if possible, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene if you're able, and cooperate with responding troopers or deputies.
What to Do After a Rollover Truck Crash in DuPont, WA
If you're involved in or witness a rollover crash, call 911 immediately and stay as far from traffic lanes as safety allows. Check on children or other passengers for visible injuries, but avoid moving anyone who may have a back or neck injury unless there's an immediate danger.
Even injuries that seem minor at the scene, like bruising or soreness, can turn out to be fractures or internal injuries, so a medical evaluation afterward is worthwhile. Keep copies of any police report filed for the crash, and follow up with your own doctor if symptoms appear in the days after. For families in DuPont and nearby communities, local hospitals and urgent care clinics can provide the follow-up screening often needed after a high-speed rollover.
