Collision with 2 semis, 5 cars snarls morning I-5 commute through Tacoma
Oct 1, 2018, 5:39 AM | Updated: 7:48 am
Two semis and five other vehicles were involved in a crash on I-5 in Tacoma Sept. 30, 2018. (Washington State Patrol)
(Washington State Patrol)
All lanes of I-5 — both northbound and southbound — were closed in Tacoma for nearly six hours after a collision involving two semis and five other vehicles Monday morning.
(KIRO 7)
Both directions reopened by 5:55 a.m. The closure snarled the early morning commute through Tacoma.
The incident happened at 11:30 p.m. Sunday evening near SR 16. A semi truck heading south ran into the concrete median, entering into the northbound lanes, slamming into another semi, and striking five other vehicles. The incident sent blocks of concrete into the northbound lanes.
“We’ve got DOT workers coming in from out of area who are certified to operate certain equipment, so only they can do the job when it comes to that sand truck and repairing that barrier,” said Trooper Johnna Batiste.
Washington State Patrol also spent the morning cleaning up a diesel spill as a result of the crash. Drivers used collector-distributor lanes to inch around the scene.
There are several serious injuries, according to KIRO 7. The driver of the semi is cooperating with authorities. It does not initially appear he was impaired.
Here’s an update from the back up NB 5 with the closure near Hwy 16. pic.twitter.com/hpuucLCrex
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