³ÉÈËXÕ¾

CHOKEPOINTS

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

Follow Frank Sumrall .Ìý³§±ð²Ô»åÌýnews tips here

Chokepoints

Northgate rollover crash...

MyNorthwest Staff

Busy intersection in Northgate back open after rollover crash

An intersection in Northgate is back open after a rollover crash.

10 hours ago

Diverging Diamond Interchange...

Chris Sullivan

New interchange is open but westbound I-90 traffic likely won’t improve for months

The state's new Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at SR 18 is now open and will hopefully improve traffic and safety.

2 days ago

WSDOT ratchets up its workload along sections of US 2 near Stevens Pass Summit (Image courtesy of W...

Nate Connors

Multiple projects underway on US 2 between Stevens Pass and Coles Corner

Beginning Tuesday, crews will be working on pavement repairs along a 4-mile section just west of the summit, near Deception Falls.

2 days ago

sound transit dogs...

MyNorthwest Staff

Dog owners celebrate! Sound Transit to allow leashed dogs in 2026, mulling other pets

Dogs will finally be allowed to ride the light rail in 2026 after the Sound Transit Board voted in favor of the furry pets' inclusion Thursday afternoon.

4 days ago

hot lane SR 167...

Frank Sumrall

‘They’re making you pay for the right to bill you:’ ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ hosts upset over toll changes for SR 167 HOT lane

The HOT lane from Auburn to Renton is becoming an express toll lane, just like the existing toll lanes on I-405 between Bellevue and Lynnwood.

5 days ago

seattle traffic congestion commutes...

Nate Connors

Seattle traffic this weekend is going to bite

Seattle faces heavy traffic this weekend due to numerous summer events attracting large crowds.

5 days ago