A Washington State Ferry employee was crushed between two cars on the M/V Elwha last Friday at around 5:30 p.m.

The ferry worker was flown by helicopter to Harborview Medical Center, according to ferries spokesperson Susan Harris. He was released the same day without any serious injuries.

Harris said whenever there is an accident on a ferry, their risk management performs an investigation.

“There is always a lesson learned,” she said.

According to witnesses Bob and Meg Connor, who have lived on the island for 40 years, the accident occurred as the ferry was docked on Orcas.

Meg recalls that it was odd that cars were being loaded while she and her husband were waiting to unload. The couple was parked on the left back of the ferry near the stern when they noticed a large flatbed truck slowly loading onto the boat. A few minutes later she heard a “loud impact noise.” She then saw a ferry worker pinned between the truck and another car. The truck immediately backed away from the ferry worker, who then fell to the ground.

“It was horrifying,” said Meg. “It happened so suddenly.”