Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Truck Driver Accepts Fault in Skagit Bridge Collapse

Truck driver William Scott of Mullen Trucking has admitted liability for the 2013 over-height truck collision that caused the Skagit River Bridge on Interstate 5 to collapse in Mount Vernon, Washington.

by Staff
July 10, 2017
Truck Driver Accepts Fault in Skagit Bridge Collapse

Photo: NTSB

2 min to read


Photo: NTSB

Truck driver William Scott of Mullen Trucking has admitted liability for the 2013 over-height truck collision that caused the Skagit River Bridge on Interstate 5 to collapse in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Ad Loading...

Scott, as well Mullen Trucking and Tammy Detray, his pilot driver during the incident, have all accepted responsibility for the bridge collapse as part of a 2015 lawsuit filed by the state, according to a report in the Skagit Valley Herald. The lawsuit is currently on hold pending an appeal by Mullen Trucking.

Ad Loading...

After reviewing the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a report blaming the collapse on multiple sources, including Scott, Mullen and the pilot driver, but it also found problems with the Washington Department of Transportation and its permitting process for oversized loads. It was discovered that the permit for the oversized load was based on incorrect heights of the vehicle and that the driver failed to research the route ahead of time.

From the Archives: On the Road Blog –– NTSB Spreads the Skagit Bridge Blame, Soft-pedals the Real Problem

The Washington State Patrol’s report also blamed the truck driver.

On May 23, 2013, the large tractor-trailer combination with an over-height load hit multiple overhead braces on the bridge, severely damaging the structure and collapsing the bridge into the river. Two other vehicles also fell into the water. There were no deaths as a result of the collapse and only three people suffered minor injuries. The bridge was later repaired at a cost of $19.8 million.

Related: Washington State Files Lawsuit Against Trucker, Carrier Over Bridge Collapse

More Drivers

Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →
Illustration of driver students around trucks with distressed graphic elements and safety cones
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 19, 2026

FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Illustration showing a driver behind the wheel, DOT offices, and examples of problematic non domiciled CDL
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 18, 2026

DOT Alleges Illinois Issued Illegal Non-Domiciled CDLs

Illinois is the latest state targeted and threatened with the loss of highway funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation in its review of states' non-domiciled CDL issuance procedures. The state is pushing back.

Read More →
 Illustration showing a driver behind the wheel, DOT offices, and examples of problematic non domiciled CDL
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 12, 2026

FMCSA Locks in Non-Domiciled CDL Restrictions

After a legal pause last fall, FMCSA has finalized its rule limiting non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses. The agency says the change closes a safety gap, and its revised economic analysis suggests workforce effects will be more gradual than first thought.

Read More →
Photo of Stone's Truck Stop
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 5, 2026

Trucker Path Names Top Truck Stops for 2026

Truck driver ratings reveal the best chain and independent truck stops in the country.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

6 Dashcam Tactics to Improve Safety & ROI

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →