All lanes on SB I-5 reopen after fatal collision near King/Pierce Co. line
Aug 22, 2019, 5:16 AM | Updated: 8:33 am
A fatal collision on SB I-5 early Thursday morning. (WSP Trooper Johnna Batiste)
(WSP Trooper Johnna Batiste)
All lanes of southbound I-5 just south of the King County line have been reopened, after a fatal collision that occurred around 2:30 a.m.
There is a large backup in the area. Traffic was initially getting by in the HOV lane before lanes were cleared.
Two passenger vehicles were involved in the incident.
The driver police say caused the crash was a woman arrested on suspicion of DUI, making this a vehicular homicide case. That driver was not injured, but the woman’s passenger died on scene. The driver of the other vehicle suffered only minor injuries.
The causing driver has been placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI, making this now a vehicular homicide case. Again, please slow down! The roadways are wet! pic.twitter.com/Nedka6I9oX
— Trooper Johnna Batiste (@wspd1pio) August 22, 2019
The Washington State Patrol incident response team said southbound traffic will continue to be impacted throughout their investigation. KIRO 7 TV’s Patranya Bhoolsuwan reports that all lanes “should be open shortly,” but that backups will likely remain.
WSDOT is advising drivers to avoid the area altogether, or delay trips.
KIRO 7 TV staff contributed to this report
