Hero Trucker Rescues Driver from Explosive Crash Near Snoqualmie Pass

Trucker pulls fellow driver from explosive wreck after rain-slick fishtail near Snoqualmie Pass

A truck driver rescued a fellow motorist from a burning semi after a rain-related crash on Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, on Tuesday morning, Sept. 29.

Ricky Sequin was traveling behind the other tractor-trailer when he saw it lose control on the wet roadway. The truck fishtailed several times, crossed the roadside barrier and immediately caught fire, Sequin told KING 5 News.

“He had lost control; fish tailed a couple times and then went right through the wall and immediately burst into flames,” Sequin said.

Sequin stopped his truck, got out and ran down the hill toward the wreck. He said he kicked the windshield several times before pulling the driver out of the cab.

“I did stop. I jumped out my rig. I ran down the hill. I kicked his windshield a few times. Got him out of the truck,” Sequin said.

The rescue came just before the wreck became more dangerous. According to Sequin, the truck exploded about two minutes after he removed the driver. A second tank had become exposed and then erupted in flames.

“Two minutes later the truck blew up,” Sequin said. “You know, the other tank had exposed itself and blew up in flames.”

After getting the driver away from the burning vehicle, Sequin gave him a rain jacket and stayed with him until additional motorists stopped to help. He then returned to the roadway to direct traffic while the group waited for firefighters to arrive.

The driver involved in the crash sustained minor injuries, according to the account provided to KING 5. No further details about the truck, its cargo or the circumstances leading up to the loss of control were provided.

Sequin said he did not have time to think about the danger before approaching the burning truck.

“I feel like it’s my duty as a human being to help,” he said. “Even the fire department asked me, ‘Why’d you run into the flames?’ Because the truck was on fire and I was like, I didn’t even think of that. I did what I did. And I’d do it again.”

The incident highlights the limited time available to respond when a commercial vehicle crashes on a mountain highway, particularly under wet conditions. A truck that begins to fishtail can quickly leave the travel lanes, and a fire involving fuel tanks can escalate within moments.

For drivers approaching a crash, the first priority remains personal safety. A vehicle stopped on the shoulder or near an active fire can create additional hazards, including moving traffic, damaged equipment and the possibility of further explosions. In this case, Sequin’s actions removed the other driver before the wreck became fully engulfed, after which he helped manage traffic until emergency crews arrived.

The rescued driver later expressed the hope that someone would do the same for him.

“I hope somebody would do it for me,” he said.