All lanes back open on SB I-5 after 3 semitrucks collide
Aug 1, 2025, 9:42 AM | Updated: 4:02 pm
A photo of the semi-truck collision on southbound I-5. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)
(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)
One semitruck has been towed on southbound I-5 at 54th Avenue in Fife, but two remain after all three semitrucks and two cars collided at approximately 9 a.m. Friday, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported.
All lanes are now back open, KIRO Newsradio confirmed.
Firefighters attended to those who were injured, vehicles were recovered, and the road was cleaned up, according to WSDOT. The backup was around 8 miles.
One semi-truck has been towed on SB I-5 in Fife. Two remain. It will take time to open more lanes.
Phases of response:
Done- Firefighters attend to injured parties
Now- Vehicle recovery
Last- Roadway cleanup
Backup is 8 miles. Real time info: https://t.co/HUGa1WTJfY pic.twitter.com/nRcDGUqRBe— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) August 1, 2025
Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper John Dattilo posted a video on social media at the scene of the collision.
— Trooper John Dattilo (@wspd1pio) August 1, 2025
“One of the semitrucks was attempting to change lanes when it sideswiped another semitruck, and it caused a chain reaction which ended up with two semitrucks rolled, one of them on their wheels,” Dattilo told KIRO Newsradio. “One of the vehicles was struck by a semitruck. Thankfully, no injuries, and the other involved passenger car was struck by debris.”
Dattilo noted the challenges crews were facing in getting the highway back open.
“One of the rolled semitrucks does have 37,000 pounds of recycled cardboard in it, which has added to the challenge,” Dattilo said. “There is no major cleanup, it’s just trying to get semitrucks back onto their wheels, and then getting extra semis to get trailers out of their way. There is a lot going on here.”
The front end of another semitruck is in a ditch, and the third semitruck remains in the middle of the highway.
Troopers are on scene with this 3 semi 2 car crash blocking all but the HOV lanes on SB I5 north of 54th.
Avoid I5 south of SR 18, this will take a while to clear. https://t.co/6Qb7lGx8oc pic.twitter.com/K8CeKWhQ7z
— Trooper John Dattilo (@wspd1pio) August 1, 2025
WSDOT updated at 9:46 a.m. that the blockage will be a long-term incident. Drivers were advised to delay or reschedule travel plans if possible.
Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest
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