Crash update: Semi-truck driver killed by detached container

A semi-truck driver died after the container he was hauling detached and smashed into the truck’s cab.

The driver, traveling on northbound I-5 in Tacoma, was braking for traffic when the truck hit a center Jersey barrier near South 72nd Street. The container detached from the truck’s chassis, smashed into the cab, killed the driver, and then rolled into the southbound lanes.

Three other vehicles were involved in the crash. Several people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Original story

Update 4: A total of four vehicles were involved in the fatal crash on I-5 in Tacoma. One person has died, “the rest” have minor injuries, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Three lanes remain blocked.

Update 3: Traffic is moving again on southbound I-5 through Olympia after a jackknifed semi-truck was cleared to the side of the road.

Update 2: One lane in each direction of I-5 through Tacoma have reopened.

All southbound lanes of I-5 in Olympia remain blocked. The Washington State Department of Transportation reports tow trucks are on scene.

Update: Both directions of I-5 at 72nd Street in Tacoma are now blocked for a fatality investigation.

Washington State Trooper Brooke Bova says multiple people were transported to the hospital after a semi-truck rolled over.

Heads up Tacoma. Crash impacting NB & SB I-5. Expect delays. pic.twitter.com/QOXUjNZ9jq

— WSDOT Tacoma Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) May 11, 2017

Down in Olympia, a jackknifed semi on southbound I-5 near the city center/Port of Olympia exit is blocking multiple lanes.

Olympia: Heads up for crash on SB I-5 approaching City Center/Port of Oly exit. pic.twitter.com/FmdYCQH4hi

— WSDOT Tacoma Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) May 11, 2017

The Washington State Department of Transportation says drivers should expect major delays in both areas.

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