UPDATE: Flipped-van crash on 16th SW

6:32 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “rescue extrication” response to the 7900 block of 16th SW. Avoid the area. First engine on scene says it’s a “car on its top.” Updates to come.

6:36 PM: The callout is being downsized because nobody’s trapped after all – one person was in the vehicle and got out OK, firefighters told dispatch. Power lines might be involved, so they’re contacting City Light.

6:49 PM: Photos added. Responders are talking to the driver. No indication yet if they’ll have to go to the hospital, nor of how this happened. (Added) One more component of the scene – a leaning utility pole:

7:02 PM: Police just told dispatch they’re moving the closure boundary to 16th/Holden “because of a high-voltage line that came down.”

7:22 PM: Note that Metro Routes 125 and 128 are routed off 16th SW in the area. See here for alternate routing.

8:39 PM: SFD says the driver, in his mid-40s, was taken to a hospital in stable condition by AMR ambulance. … Also, both affected bus routes have resumed regular routing, indicating the street has reopened.

F--- Those Things September 2, 2022 (6:58 pm)

Probably clipped one of those asinine center-lane islands they just installed.

HPE Fan September 2, 2022 (7:32 pm)

Agree, I was going the posted speed and almost clipped one last week as the cars parked along the side were protruding out in the main traffic lane. Dislike the additions of Center-lane things. on 9th they constantly are hit by delivery vehicles turning onto 9th from the side streets. The snowplow hit one last winter
Brayton September 2, 2022 (7:50 pm)

I agree, they’re ridiculous. I had never seen such a thing until I moved to Washington. I’ve always thought they have to do more harm than good.
Reed September 2, 2022 (7:55 pm)

That would only happen if they were not focusing on the road.
Auntie September 2, 2022 (8:48 pm)

I don’t see anything like that on google maps, but maybe they are newer? In any case, eyes on the road would prevent running over a center lane island or median now, wouldn’t it? Also, going the speed limit.

KayK September 2, 2022 (7:11 pm)

Ouch- 125 bus on reroute over to 9th- nice to get an unexpected lift up Holden!!😊

waikikigirl September 2, 2022 (8:13 pm)

Nothing to do with this accident but does anyone else notice the hazy skies tonight, like a forest fire coloring? It’s most noticeable in the 3rd photo

WSB September 2, 2022 (8:16 pm)

Yes, it’s from smoke. 2 of the last 3 nights.
- waikikigirl September 2, 2022 (8:35 pm)
  
  Is it from a forest fire? Sorry to ask, I don’t watch the News or even look at the internet news stations…just this one the WSB!
  - WSB September 2, 2022 (8:38 pm)
    
    Yes. Not sure which one, though.
  - Marina September 2, 2022 (8:56 pm)
    
    Thanks for the question Waikikigirl. I’ve been working inside all day and was wondering the same thing after locking up Uptown tonight.
    - Marina September 2, 2022 (9:01 pm)
      
      Also, it’s the Cedar Creek fire.

Steph September 3, 2022 (9:01 pm)

I disagree that one would only clip those islands if not paying attention! I was stunned today by even more of these in the neighborhood! I almost hit one of the huge sidewalk circles being installed, apparently for handicap ramps or something, coupled with bizarre random bumps apparently designed to keep people from driving in what should be a second lane, but now is a narrow parking lane my van would not even fit in to park and check my phone! Am I the only one to question WHY the city is narrowing our streets down to one lane almost everywhere now? Many intersections have been dangerously narrowed to one lane when there used to be two or three! How can we evacuate in an emergency? We CAN’T! If Cascadia hits we are done for. These dangerous obstacles are not slowing down traffic. They are traps. The government has already let us know if Cascadia hits we are on our own. No one will rescue us and now we can’t escape. I’m keeping a small boat and plan to run it down to Puget Sound on my little hand trailer because driving in an evacuation will be impossible. We have several earthquake faults going right through West Seattle, one right under my house unfortunately, so this concerns me greatly. Plus they are a huge waste of our tax dollars. There are many areas where children have to walk to school without sidewalks on busy streets. There are many areas without storm sewers, so streets already flood, yet everywhere these dangerous obstacles are being installed at great cost. I think it’s a sinister plot, but maybe some City official’s Uncle Vinny has a concrete installation business. Either way, our tax dollars should not be wasted this way! Plus these are not lighted so at night they are even more dangerous.