Semi-collision blocks all of I-5 traffic near Olympia Monday night

Southbound lanes of I-5 were blocked Monday night after a collision involving multiple semi-trucks.

“We don’t have scenes this large very often, but they do happen,” said Washington State Trooper Johnna Batiste.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. about 12 miles south of Olympia, near Maytown and milepost 97. The crash scene initially closed both directions of I-5. Half of the southbound lanes opened at 7 p.m. just to let drivers waiting to get around the scene — and ahead of the detour — to get by. But cleanup on the road continued through the evening.

Most of the northbound lanes reopened around 6 p.m. Southbound lanes finally reopened shortly after 11 p.m.

Four semis are stopped at the scene. One semi broke through the center barrier and jackknifed across both directions. The crash has spilled piles of timber across the freeway. No serious injuries were reported.

According to Trooper Batiste:

• The first semi was traveling northbound when it jackknifed into the center barrier.
• A second semi in the northbound lanes then struck the first truck and pushed it further through the center.
• A third semi traveling south then struck the first semi as it stretched into the southbound lanes.
• A fourth southbound semi screeched off the roadway to avoid striking the other trucks.
• No other vehicles on the freeway were involved in the collision.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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