Tragedy on I-90: Tire Blowout Leads to Deadly Collision Near North Bend
North Bend, WA — A devastating crash on Interstate 90 near Exit 32 on September 3 claimed the life of 38-year-old Dwane Sukert, a log truck driver from Port Angeles, leaving a community mourning and investigators searching for answers. According to the Washington State Patrol, the incident occurred shortly before 12:45 p.m., when a semi-truck traveling westbound blew a tire, veered into another lane, and collided with Sukert’s log truck.
The force of the impact caused the log truck to roll over violently, resulting in catastrophic injuries to Sukert. He was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where, despite medical efforts, he tragically passed away. The driver of the semi-truck, a 57-year-old man from Longview, also suffered serious injuries and was transported to Overlake Medical Center.
Remembering Dwane Sukert: A Life Cut Short on the Open Road
Dwane Sukert was more than a truck driver—he was a father, husband, friend, and hardworking member of the Port Angeles community. Known for his dedication, work ethic, and kind spirit, his sudden loss has shaken those who knew him. Dwane had been working in the trucking industry for years, navigating the roads with experience and professionalism.
For a man who spent much of his life behind the wheel providing for his family, his death on the road is a painful and cruel irony. Friends and family describe Dwane as “the type of guy who would give the shirt off his back” and someone “who always had time to lend a helping hand.”
Now, a family is left grappling with unbearable grief, and a community is rallying around them in support. Fundraisers and messages of remembrance are circulating locally and online, with many emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures for commercial trucking vehicles.
Tire Blowout Sparks Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
As investigators continue to review the circumstances of the crash, questions arise about how and why the semi-truck’s tire blew out, and whether mechanical failure, poor maintenance, or road conditions played a role. Commercial vehicle accidents involving tire blowouts are not uncommon, and this tragedy once again places a spotlight on the need for rigorous truck safety inspections and regulations.
Two westbound lanes of I-90 were closed for hours as authorities cleared the debris and examined the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been reported at this time. The trucking company involved has not yet released a statement.
The tragic death of Dwane Sukert is a stark reminder of how quickly life can be changed—or ended—by a moment on the road. His family now faces a future without the man they loved so dearly, and Washington’s transportation safety community faces another wake-up call.