Southbound traffic snarled on I-5 in Federal Way after collision blocks all lanes
A large wreck Monday on southbound Interstate 5 in Federal Way made for a long morning commute for drivers headed into Pierce County. All southbound lanes were blocked, according to transportation officials, causing long delays.
The collision was reported at about 5:25 a.m. south of 272nd Street, the Washington State Department of Transportation said on Twitter. The incident initially blocked two lanes, but by about 6:30 a.m. the entire freeway was blocked, and traffic was getting by on the left shoulder.
Two people were injured in the collision, which involved three cars and a semi truck not carrying a trailer, according to the Washington State Patrol. Those hurt included a 41-year-old Puyallup man and a 59-year-old Orangevale, California man. Both were transported to hospitals.
A specific cause of the crash is being investigated, WSP said in a news release. Troopers said the incident began when the Puyallup man lost control of his Honda Civic on what was an icy roadway. The man swerved into a concrete barrier to his right and then was struck by two vehicles, including the semi truck. After his car came to a stop in a traffic lane, troopers said a third vehicle hit his car.
Troopers said drugs or alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the collision.
Emergency crews including state troopers, medical aid and fire assistance responded to the scene. According to a tweet from WSDOT, crews were working to clear the road just before 6 a.m. Most lanes reopened by about 8:20 a.m., and the freeway was clear an hour later.
This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 7:34 AM.
