Driver Killed in Commercial Fire after Hit and Run

INCIDENT DATE/TIME: 1-14-2024 about 9 PM
LOCATION: 9400 Block of MLK
AREA/CITY: Seattle
DETAILS:

In south Seattle, authorities are probing a dramatic collision involving a driver who purportedly fled a multi-car accident at an adjacent intersection on Sunday night. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) disclosed that a 34-year-old individual struck two vehicles halted at a red light on the 9400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. near 42nd Avenue S. Subsequently, while attempting to escape the crash scene, the driver reversed into a nearby auto shop, resulting in the vehicle igniting upon impact with the building.

The incident prompted an extensive emergency response from both police and fire personnel on Sunday night. Firefighters managed to douse the flames shortly after 9 p.m., extricated the charred sedan from the structure, and discovered the driver deceased inside the vehicle. Following the extinguishing of lingering hot spots, crews conducted a thorough search of the building.

According to the SPD, a 26-year-old passenger fled the vehicle before it became engulfed in flames. As of Sunday night, he was reported to be in stable condition and under police custody. Southbound light rail operations were briefly halted as crews operated in close proximity to the tracks, but service resumed promptly.

Det. Judinna Gulpan stated that no injuries were reported among occupants of the other vehicles involved in the collision.

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