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Driver dead after ‘major collision’ shut down I-5 north near Lakewood; All lanes back open

Apr 29, 2025, 5:47 AM | Updated: 1:32 pm

I-5 tacoma collision...

A "major" accident on I-5 in Tacoma after a semi-truck collided with a barrier. (Photo courtesy of West Pierce Fire and Rescue)

(Photo courtesy of West Pierce Fire and Rescue)

All lanes heading north on I-5 are back open after a fatal crash near Lakewood involving a semitruck occurred early Tuesday morning.

The southbound lanes also reopened after all lanes were shut down earlier this morning.

The accident occurred after a semitruck collided with a barrier near the 84th Street exit on I-5 north just after 4:45 a.m., the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) confirmed. The semitruck toppled over after hitting the highway barrier, crashing into a power pole, which subsequently led to the vehicle catching fire. The driver of the truck died at the scene.

“I am saddened to announce that the truck driver has died as a result of this crash,” Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper John Datillo said. “Expect an extended closure as we investigate. We are working to determine the details that led to the crash.”

WSDOT described the accident as “major,” with the potential to be a long-term incident.

Traffic is currently being diverted to off-ramps in both directions. Backups on State Route 512 (SR 512) are already appearing as traffic is being rerouted.

Contributing: Chris Sullivan, ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Newsradio; Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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