Fatal I5 Tacoma Accident Today - Washington State Patrol Report

A major wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 in Tacoma caused widespread traffic disruptions Sunday morning after authorities shut down all southbound lanes while emergency crews responded to a serious multi-vehicle collision.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash occurred near South 84th Street and Milepost 128 shortly after 8:00 a.m. Investigators said the collision involved a wrong-way driver traveling in the southbound lanes of I-5.

The severe crash forced officials to completely close all southbound traffic lanes through the area as troopers launched an investigation and emergency responders worked to assist the injured.

Authorities diverted all southbound traffic off the freeway at South 72nd Street, creating significant backups across Tacoma and surrounding areas.

Trooper Kameron Watts confirmed that four people were transported to local hospitals following the crash. Officials said three of the victims suffered serious injuries.

Emergency crews, including firefighters, paramedics, and state patrol officers, remained at the scene for hours as investigators examined the wreckage and crews worked to clear damaged vehicles from the interstate.

Photos released by the Washington State Department of Transportation showed multiple patrol vehicles and emergency responders positioned across the freeway while traffic remained at a standstill.

Authorities warned drivers that the southbound closure was expected to remain in place for an extended period due to the severity of the crash and the complexity of the investigation.

Wrong-Way Driver Blamed for Collision

Investigators said the crash began when a driver entered the freeway traveling in the wrong direction along the southbound lanes of I-5. The vehicle later collided with other motorists near South 84th Street, triggering a large emergency response.

Officials have not yet released details about how the wrong-way driver entered the freeway or whether impairment, speed, or other factors may have contributed to the crash.

Wrong-way collisions are among the most dangerous types of freeway accidents because they often result in high-speed, head-on impacts that leave little time for drivers to react.

Additional Traffic Problems Reported

Compounding the traffic nightmare, authorities also reported another separate collision in the northbound lanes of I-5 near the same area.

Troopers said lanes three and four of northbound I-5 were blocked because of that crash, further slowing traffic through Tacoma during the morning hours.

Officials indicated the northbound lanes would likely reopen sooner than the southbound side, where investigators continued processing the primary crash scene.

Motorists throughout the region experienced heavy delays as congestion spread across nearby interchanges, city streets, and alternate freeway routes.

Drivers Urged to Avoid the Area

Transportation officials strongly encouraged drivers to avoid the affected stretch of Interstate 5 and use alternate routes whenever possible.

Authorities warned motorists to expect:

• Significant traffic delays

• Stop-and-go congestion

• Emergency vehicle activity

• Sudden lane closures

• Extended freeway shutdowns

Drivers were also advised to monitor live traffic updates before traveling through Tacoma.

Investigation Ongoing

The Washington State Patrol continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the wrong-way crash. Investigators are expected to review:

• Witness statements

• Traffic camera footage

• Vehicle damage

• Driver impairment factors

• Freeway entry points

Officials have not yet released the identities of those involved, and no additional information regarding the conditions of the injured victims has been made public.

The crash remains under active investigation as crews continue working to safely reopen the freeway.