A high-speed crash in Tacoma turned deadly early Friday when a car slammed into a utility pole on the 600 block of 138th Street East, killing the driver and knocking out power to nearby homes and a neighborhood elementary school, according to Pierce County deputies.
The impact was so violent that the car’s engine was torn completely out and the driver was thrown an estimated 40 feet from the wreck, authorities said. No other injuries were reported.
Deadly Morning Wreck Under Investigation
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded around 7:10 a.m. to find the car on its side after what they described as a high-speed crash involving only the driver, KING 5 reported.
Investigators said the vehicle rolled, hit a parked car, then slammed into a utility pole. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies said the engine was dislodged by the force of the collision, and crews spent the morning clearing debris from the street.
Detectives said speed appeared to be a factor and the collision remains under investigation.
Power Outages Hit Homes, Delay at Elmhurst Elementary
The crash knocked out power to surrounding homes and affected nearby Elmhurst Elementary, which delayed its start while crews worked on the damaged pole and power lines. Utility workers were on scene to assess the damage and restore service.
Tacoma Public Utilities outlines how crews secure the area around downed poles and urges residents to stay away from any downed or sagging lines. The utility advises customers to call 253-502-8600 to report damage or outages.
Families looking for school-related updates can find office contact information and the campus address on the Elmhurst Elementary contact page.
Why Being Thrown From the Car Is So Often Fatal
Being ejected from a vehicle in a crash is one of the strongest predictors of fatal injury, according to safety researchers. Seat belts are considered the single most effective protection because they significantly reduce the chance of being thrown from the vehicle.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that people who are ejected in non-rollover crashes are nearly twice as likely to die compared with those who remain inside the vehicle, and the risk is even higher when rollovers are involved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that wearing a seat belt substantially lowers the risk of fatal injury for occupants in serious crashes.
Deputies Seek Tips From the Public
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the fatal wreck and is asking anyone with surveillance footage, dashcam video or information about the crash to contact South Sound 911 or the sheriff’s non-emergency line.
The non-emergency number for the sheriff’s office is listed as 253-287-4455, and officials said the investigation remains active, according to KING 5.
