Runaway hay truck, trailer crashes in alley next to channel

A semi truck and trailer, which sustained brake failure while descending the Palouse Highway hill into Colfax early Monday morning, came to a halt in the west alley behind the Almota Elevator Co. office. The driver was able to turn the truck, which was headed for the S. Palouse River channel, into the alley.

The trailer of the semi with a load of hay collided with the front of a flatbed GMC truck which was parked along the curb at the corner leading into the alley.

Driver Ken Meldrum, Richland, said the braking system on the truck didn't feel right as he descended the grade at about 5 a.m. Mel...