Tacoma man dies in semi-truck crash on Interstate 5 in Seattle, state troopers say
A 63-year-old Tacoma man driving a tractor-trailer died Friday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 in Seattle, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The crash occurred in the southbound express lanes of the interstate just after 11 a.m., troopers said in a news release. A semi truck occupied by one person was approaching Mercer Street when the driver lost control for an unknown reason and struck a bridge support column.
Troopers said the vehicle came to a rest facing the wrong way in lanes one and two. The driver reportedly became trapped in the vehicle, and he was later confirmed dead by first responders. He has not been publicly identified.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, according to the State Patrol. Troopers said it’s unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors. The driver was wearing a seat belt.
A small amount of fuel spilled as a result of the incident, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The Department of Ecology was called to respond. Trooper Rick Johnson said on Twitter the crash initially blocked all lanes. According to WSDOT, the express lanes reopened at about 4:15 p.m.
This story was originally published May 6, 2023 at 10:54 AM.
