Both directions of SR 18 reopen after fatal crash in Auburn
Sep 29, 2021, 5:27 AM | Updated: 10:49 am
Off ramps to SR 18 at Auburn Way & 167 are closed to conduct an investigation after a crash. (Photo courtesy of WSDOT)
(Photo courtesy of WSDOT)
A deadly crash had State Route 18 shut down in both directions for most of the morning after a multivehicle collision that took place around 2 a.m. Wednesday.
State Trooper Rick Johnson says the crash was due to a wrong-way vehicle. The driver of the car is deceased.
I am headed to the scene on SR 18 and C st. Both directions are closed right now. More info when I arrive. This was a wrong way vehicle where sadly the driver is deceased and at least one semi involved.
— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) September 29, 2021
Johnson provided a further update on Twitter that the wrong-way driver was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. A total of three semis and one other vehicle were involved in the crash.
There are no other major injuries.
This is the passenger vehicle that was traveling WB and struck the barrier that was pushed into the lanes from the EB side. pic.twitter.com/754WFmPlRH
— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) September 29, 2021
The Washington State Department of Transportation warned that the closure “will likely remain in place for quite some time” this morning as the investigation and cleanup continued. All eastbound traffic had been diverted to C Street Southwest, while westbound traffic was diverted to Auburn Way (SR 164).
As of 9:45 a.m., Trooper Johnson says the roadway is open in both directions.
