CHOKEPOINTS

One killed after car splits in half in violent Tacoma crash

Sep 21, 2026, 10:41 AM | Updated: 3:04 pm

tacoma car crash fatal...

A graphic of active cop lights and "Do Not Cross" police tape. (MyNorthwest file photo)

(MyNorthwest file photo)

A fatal three-car crash occurred in Tacoma Sunday night, killing one.

First reported by The Tacoma News Tribune, the collision happened just after 11 p.m. on Portland Avenue. A 28-year-old man, Duran Tessema, hit a power pole so hard that it cut his car in half.

He was the only person taken to the hospital and later died.

Two other vehicles were involved, but the Tacoma Police Department said it’s still unclear exactly how.

The crash is under investigation.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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One killed after car splits in half in violent Tacoma crash