Both ramps reopen after semi-truck crash spills corn across I-5 near JBLM
Jul 23, 2026, 2:52 PM | Updated: 2:54 pm
The southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane/Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) reopened after it was shut down for hours early Thursday morning following a semi-truck carrying corn crashing into a ditch.
At approximately 2:48 p.m., the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said both ramps impacted by the semi-truck collision had been reopened.
We’re all open after #cornnado 2026 https://t.co/KjlXiH7oxy
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) July 23, 2026
Around 11:30 a.m., WSDOT stated that crews were making progress on repairing damages and cleaning up the spilled corn.
“We’re making good progress on replacing the damaged attenuator and cleaning up the spilled corn on the SB I-5 Thorne Lane exit,” the agency stated on X. “Luckily, there are no current backups associated with this closure.”
UPDATE 3: We’re making good progress on replacing the damaged attenuator & cleaning up the spilled corn on the SB I-5 Thorne Lane exit. Luckily, there are no current backups associated with this closure. https://t.co/TGo6EWv4Ci pic.twitter.com/xLLQMTqXZ6
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) July 23, 2026
Crash first reported around 5 a.m.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Kameron Watts first posted the collision on X around 5 a.m.
“The SB I-5 exit ramp to Thorne Lane (Exit 123) is fully blocked for a 1 semi-ditch collision,” Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Kameron Watts stated on X. “All JBLM traffic from I-5 will have to divert to Exits 122 and 120 until this is cleaned up.”
The SB I-5 exit ramp to Thorne Lane (Exit 123) is fully blocked for a 1 semi-ditch collision. All JBLM traffic from I-5 will have to divert to Exits 122 and 120 until this is cleaned up.
— Trooper Kameron Watts (@wspd1pio) July 23, 2026
The roadway was covered with debris and corn on the cob following the crash.
“Unfortunately, the semi leaked oil & fuel, so the corn is heading to the dump,” the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said.
WSP is redirecting all JBLM-bound traffic to exits 122 and 120.
“They’re more than likely also gonna have to bring a crane operator,” Watts told KIRO Newsradio. “We also have to make an effort to clean up the corn as well, which presents another timely challenge.”
Cause of semi-truck full of corn crashing was ‘drowsy driving’
According to WSP, the cause of this crash was “drowsy driving.” The operator of the semi-truck has been cited for second-degree negligent driving.
“For anyone who falls asleep at the wheel, it’s pretty typical for us to cite them with the negligent driving in the second degree,” Watts said. “Negligent because they didn’t take the proper precautions to either pull off to the side of the road or stop somewhere in order to prevent this from happening.”
UPDATE 2: Corn on Thorne is still being cleared – exit 123 is closed. Unfortunately, the semi leaked oil & fuel, so the corn is heading to the dump🌽🌽🌽
Thanks for your patience while we continue to clear the exit! Real-time travel map: https://t.co/bOnxgmLDMp https://t.co/09w4v2FLTs pic.twitter.com/ks1BkimMOB— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) July 23, 2026
No major injuries have been reported.
Contributing: Julia Dallas and Jason Sutich, MyNorthwest
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
