In this incident, on February 2nd, 2021, we received a special request for an overturned semi-truck and trailer carrying 167 wine bottles. The overturn had happened on the ramp from 212th to NB167, which was a heavily trafficked area. We responded on route with a heavy-duty rotating crane-style wrecker, heavy-duty recovery wrecker, equipment support vehicle, and necessary additional labor.
Accident Recovery
We responded to the incident command post and waited for the Washington State Police to close the ramp. As we waited, our Team Pro-Tow did a scene evaluation, put together a recovery plan, and did some recovery calculations. The quickest and safest method, and least chance of more spillage, was to use specialty air cushions and landing bags. Our team skillfully installed the cushions and landing bags, followed by the rotator rigging and recovery wrecker rigging to upright the combination. Working carefully and without rushing, we began the recovery work. We completed the task successfully and moved the unit to a nearby safe location. Our Pro-Enviro team began the spill recovery and debris cleanup work from the spilled bottles during that time.
Continued Recovery
The load inside had shifted considerably to the driver side, which meant we needed a heavy-duty class S tractor to transport the trailer safely. Our trusty team began the task of separating the trailer, then used the rotator to lift the nose of the trailer and allow the Class S tractor access. The hookup went without a hitch, and we transported it to our secured storage yard with an escort from the Department of Transportation. Meanwhile, Pro-Enviro continued the spill recovery and debris cleanup. We located the appropriate secured storage locations at the yard, installed environmental spill containment pods, and parked the tractor. Finally, we reconditioned all vehicles and equipment, completed the paper, and gave the cleared call.
A messy accident recovery well-handled!
