Update: Northbound I-5 in Tacoma reopened after fatal collision involving 7 vehicles
Drivers commuting north Friday morning on Interstate 5 in Tacoma ran into significant traffic delays. All northbound lanes of the interstate were closed for nearly eight hours due to a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles.
And a separate collision on eastbound state Route 512 near Portland Avenue East jammed traffic further, temporarily closing all lanes of the highway some commuters were using to avoid the crash scene on Interstate 5.
The collision on Interstate 5 was reported at about 7:47 a.m. near South 38th Street, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The collision involved five cars and two semi trucks. Washington State Patrol trooper Robert Reyer said the driver of one of those semi trucks was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
All lanes of the interstate were reopened at about 3:20 p.m., according to WSDOT.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, Reyer said.
Three other people were hospitalized, according to Tacoma Fire Department. One person was taken to the hospital in critical condition and two people were transported in serious condition.
One other person went to the hospital as a precaution, and two other people were treated and released at the scene.
WSDOT said the crash could take some time to clear and encouraged drivers to use alternate routes. It said travelers could detour via the Tacoma/City Center exit and rejoin northbound Interstate 5. Another way to get around is via exit 132 state Route 16/South 38th Street.
Few details were available on the eastbound state Route 512 collision. WSDOT said it was reported at about 9:39 a.m. All lanes were temporarily blocked, and the roadway was reopened at about 10:15 a.m.
This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 8:14 AM.
