Overview
- A 70-year-old woman drove an SUV onto the elevated tracks near Mount Baker Station, forcing Sound Transit to suspend portions of the 1 Line and run shuttle buses while crews responded.
- Emergency teams cut power to the tracks and used a rail-capable swing loader with straps to lift and remove the vehicle, restoring service roughly two hours after the disruption.
- Seattle Fire found the driver able to exit the car and transported her to a hospital; police said she was not intoxicated and will not face criminal charges.
- Witnesses and social media reported the driver said she was following GPS directions, and observers noted parts of the rail alignment run close to roadways that can confuse motorists.
- The incident, which occurred Tuesday evening, underlines how navigation errors can cause major commuter delays and may lead transit agencies to review signage, route separation and emergency removal protocols.