All lanes of NB I-5 near JBLM finally reopened after fire, chase, crash

A major crash involving several emergency response vehicles, a car fire, and a police chase slowed traffic on northbound I-5 near Lakewood for the entirety of the morning commute. All lanes were reopened shortly before 2 p.m.

Just before 1 a.m. Monday, a semi truck caught fire on northbound I-5 near Berkeley Street. A Washington State Department of Transportation crew, troopers and multiple fire crews responded and were partially blocking northbound I-5.

Here is another look at the scale of this investigation scene on northbound I-5 in Lakewood/JBLM. While the left shoulder is open, we're asking drivers to continue delaying their trips. The shoulder could be closed again after be begin the cleanup process. pic.twitter.com/ef2FsaDd8u

— WSDOT Tacoma Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) November 18, 2019

A Chevy Tahoe was involved in an earlier pursuit by Thurston County deputies, and crashed into emergency crews that included two fire trucks, a patrol car and a WSDOT vehicle, according to the State Patrol. Another passenger vehicle was also involved.

The driver and passenger in the Tahoe were seriously hurt and were taken to the hospital. No one else was injured.

The crash scene investigation was completed shortly before 9 a.m.

Surface streets in Yelm were overwhelmed by overflow traffic as drivers searched for alternate avenues.

Around 12:30 p.m., backups extended roughly 13 miles.

“If you can delay your trips, that would be best,” said WSDOT on Twitter.

KIRO 7 staff contributed to this report

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