Tractor-trailer driver dead after brakes fail in Tacoma

PIERCE COUNTY, WA – The driver of a tractor-trailer lost his life after his brakes failed and his truck overturned in Tacoma on Monday morning.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff Department, the truck driver’s brakes failed near the corner of Pioneer Way and Waller Road. The driver was able to avoid multiple cars but the tractor-trailer eventually toppled over and struck a warehouse.

The driver, a 45-year-old, was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation by the Washington State Patrol was able to determine that they brakes were defective and the driver had been unable to bring the truck to a stop.

Semi-truck driver was killed this morning when his brakes failed at Waller Rd & Pioneer Way. He avoided hitting several cars before the truck tipped over and hit a warehouse. 45 yo driver died at the scene. WSP confirmed that the brakes were defective and the driver couldn’t stop pic.twitter.com/CLWZFpzSrT

— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) April 5, 2021