Bystanders called 9-1-1 after witnessing a two-vehicle accident on Highway 14 eastbound just before the 164th Avenue exit stating that a car rolled multiple times off the road

At about 5 p.m. Monday (July 29), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a major vehicle crash at the 15500 block of Highway 14. Bystanders called 9-1-1 after witnessing a two-vehicle accident on Highway 14 eastbound just before the 164th Avenue exit stating that a car rolled multiple times off the road. 

While fire units were responding, witnesses were reporting that the car was on fire. The first-arriving fire engine found a sedan with significant damage off the road and on its side while also on fire. Several bystanders had attempted to put out the fire using fire extinguishers and tried to pull the patient from the car but were unsuccessful. Firefighters worked on extinguishing the fire and found an adult male patient still inside the car. 

Extra resources and manpower were called to the scene including a battalion chief, an extra fire engine and two ladder trucks that carry special extrication equipment. Firefighters cut off the roof of the car that was on its side, to remove the patient within 25 minutes of the fire department’s arrival. The patient had suffered several serious injuries including apparent leg injuries as well as burns. He was transported emergently by American Medical Response and VFD medics to a local area trauma center in critical condition. The adult female driver was self-extricated and was transported to the emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries.

The collision is being investigated by the Washington State Patrol.

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.