Collision blocking I-5 southbound express lanes south of Mercer

A collision involving a semi-truck had the I-5 express lanes near Mercer completely blocked Thursday.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reported Thursday morning that a semi-truck hit a pillar and lost its container over the embankment. The semi truck was towed and the express lanes reopened just before 3:30 p.m.

The semi has been towed and the I-5 express have reopened northbound through #Seattle. Drive safe! pic.twitter.com/mh85aoS0Tj

— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) August 6, 2020

KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan was at the scene.

The semi that lost its load on SB 5 express lanes is NOT dangling. It has come to rest on solid ground. pic.twitter.com/OzuXTVSKph

— Chris Sullivan (@NEWSGUYSULLY) August 6, 2020

Here is a better shot of the cab, which is a good 30 yards from the trailer. pic.twitter.com/OoksZnf5T1

— Chris Sullivan (@NEWSGUYSULLY) August 6, 2020

Here’s some video of this crash. @wsdot_traffic @SDOTtraffic pic.twitter.com/5x2DSh3wpP

— Chris Sullivan (@NEWSGUYSULLY) August 6, 2020

WSDOT previously said aid is nearby on city streets to help with the collision. The driver of the truck was transported to Harborview, according to Trooper Rick Johnson. The extent of injuries are unknown.

Here are a few pictures of the one semi collision SB I-5 Express near Mercer. Express lanes closed as the tows work to recover the truck and trailer. Driver transported to Harborview. Extent of injuries unknown at this time. No ETA for clearing at this time. pic.twitter.com/mKqC9WLRR7

— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) August 6, 2020

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