Seattle, WA (August 4, 2025) – A deadly collision involving a Seattle Fire Department ladder truck and a Chevrolet Malibu occurred early Saturday morning at the intersection of Aurora Ave N and N 128th St, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured. The crash happened around 4:59 a.m. and remains under investigation by Seattle police detectives.
According to authorities, the Seattle Fire Department ladder truck was making a right-hand turn from North 128th St onto southbound Aurora Avenue when the southbound Malibu struck the vehicle at high speed. The force of the impact severely damaged the front of the Malibu.
Firefighters on board the truck rendered emergency aid to the Malibu’s driver. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being handled by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. A passenger in the Malibu sustained serious injuries and was transported to Harborview Medical Center for further treatment. No injuries were reported among the fire truck crew.
Police officers closed off the intersection to allow the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad to document and analyze the scene. Investigators continue to review evidence, including speed data and potential surveillance footage. Authorities have asked the public to contact the collision squad at 206-684-8923 with any information.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased, and we extend our thoughts to the injured passenger during their recovery.
Fatal Municipal Vehicle Collisions in Seattle
Crashes involving emergency response vehicles, such as Saturday’s fatal collision with a Seattle Fire Department ladder truck, present unique challenges in both prevention and investigation. These vehicles operate under special rules when responding to calls but must still navigate through active traffic patterns—often with urgency.
The incident on Aurora Ave N underscores the dangers of excessive speed, particularly during early morning hours when visibility is low and fewer drivers may be on the road. In this case, the Malibu’s high rate of travel prevented it from avoiding a fire truck already executing a turn, resulting in catastrophic impact.
Fatal crashes involving municipal vehicles also trigger broader investigations due to the public agency involvement. The Seattle Police Department’s Traffic Collision Investigation Squad plays a vital role in determining not only liability but also whether operational procedures were followed by both parties.
For surviving passengers and victims’ families, the aftermath of such crashes can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. From medical bills to funeral costs and legal inquiries, the journey forward is often filled with uncertainty.
Anyone involved in a collision of this nature should take immediate steps to obtain an official accident report, seek medical guidance, and connect with support services that understand the complexities of public-vehicle incidents.
Need answers after a fatal crash involving a public vehicle in Seattle? Local Accident Reports can help. Request your free accident report today and access the guidance and resources you need to move forward.
