Officials: Driver of truck that crashed likely fell asleep

SEATTLE (AP) — The driver of a semi who crashed his truck, caused a fire, blocked traffic for four hours and sustained serious injuries likely fell asleep while driving.

The Washington State Patrol says the semi was heading north on Interstate 5 at about 2:15 a.m. Friday when the truck left the roadway, struck a guardrail and dropped about 100 feet into a ravine. The semi caught fire and that spread to the surrounding bushes.

Fire crews put the fire out and rescued the driver, who was taken to Harborview Medical Cente. He was listed in serious condition Friday.

Trooper Clark Jones says they're still investigating but it appears the 36-year-old fell asleep.