³ÉÈËXÕ¾

MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Fatal car crash causes power outage at UW Tacoma, in-person classes canceled

Jul 8, 2024, 1:27 PM

car crash uw tacoma...

One person was killed in a single-vehicle crash near South 21st Street and Pacific Avenue on Saturday, July 6, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Tacoma Fire Department via X)

(Photo courtesy of Tacoma Fire Department via X)

The University of Washington (UW) campus in Tacoma has suspended its in-person operations, including classes, for the entire week after a tragic car accident caused a campus-wide power outage.

According to UW’s , only Court 17 and other “limited areas” still have access to power. The in-person suspension is expected to last until July 13.

I-5 delays: Semitruck driver suffers serious injuries

“Due to HVAC systems being out and the current forecast of high temperatures this week, it is not safe to be on campus unless you are essential personnel. Please do not come to campus,” UW stated. “We are working closely with multiple agencies to identify a solution. We do not yet have an estimated day or time for power to be restored.”

The car crash was reported just before 6 a.m., according to the Tacoma Fire Department (TFD). First responders arrived finding one person dead at the scene near South 21st Street and Pacific Avenue. That intersection is home to UW Tacoma’s Cragle parking lot, which houses the university’s campus electrical system. The crash caused “severe damage’ to the system, according to UW.

The university decided without consistent access to power and a heat wave affecting most of the region, the campus needed to be closed for this week.

More on WA’s current heat wave: Seattle’s record-breaking heat wave sticking around through Tuesday

The school is working closely with multiple agencies to identify a solution to the power outage. UW stated it’s currently unknown what led up to the deadly crash.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Frank Sumrall is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here and you can email him here.

MyNorthwest News

fife five arrested...

Frank Sumrall

5 arrested after two people were shot near Motel 6 and Starbucks in Fife

Five suspects have been arrested after two people were shot early Thursday morning in Fife.

1 hour ago

trash collection strike thurston county...

Frank Sumrall

Disruptions to trash collection expands to Seattle, Bellevue as Lacey strike continues

A strike by trash collectors is spreading across Western Washington, meaning tens of thousands of residents could have their trash service disrupted.

1 hour ago

13-year-old boy hero drowning everett...

Brooke Griffin, ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ 7 News

13-year-old boy being called a hero for quick actions in Everett near-drowning

Everett Firefighters say an 11-year-old boy is recovering after he fell off the Thornton Park dock and got caught underwater for several minutes.

2 hours ago

Travis Decker search...

Julia Dallas and Luke Duecy

Travis Decker lookalike leads to dead end, authorities end search in Idaho forest

Authorities conclude search in Idaho forest for Travis Decker, suspect in the tragic murder of his three daughters near Leavenworth.

13 hours ago

Toonerville fire evacuation map 2...

Heather Bosch

Wildfires prompt evacuations in western Washington

Two wildfires in Mason County are prompting urgent evacuations as firefighters work to contain the blazes. Stay informed with updates.

16 hours ago

Big Dumper Cal Raleigh Yankees...

Jason Sutich

‘Big Dumper’ gets big close-up: Yankees broadcast leans into Cal Raleigh’s nickname

MLB fans enjoyed a close-up of Cal Raleigh, the AL home run leader, showcasing his unique nickname during the Yankees' broadcast.

18 hours ago

Fatal car crash causes power outage at UW Tacoma, in-person classes canceled