TACOMA, Wash. — Thousands of drivers faced traffic delays after part of I-5 was shut down due to a deadly semi-truck crash in Tacoma.
A semi-truck traveling northbound crashed into the concrete barrier early Tuesday morning, knocking down a light pole, Washington State Patrol said.
The driver died at the scene, investigators said.
“I almost broke down in tears. I just felt so bad for the driver and his family,” said Michael Eidemiller, who was impacted by the traffic.
Parts of the barrier flew onto the southbound lanes, causing hours-long delays in both directions.
“We’re handling a major collision right now, one that includes a loss of life. We don’t want a repeat of that due to our own negligence. We want to make sure the roadway is as safe to travel upon as we can make it before opening it up to prevent any further collision in that area,” said Trooper John Dattilo, public information officer for Washington State Patrol.
By 1:20 pm., all lanes of traffic were open in both directions.
FINAL: All lanes open in both directions of on I-5 in Tacoma. https://t.co/t0208JP0QR
— Washington State DOT (@wsdot) April 29, 2025
Jesse Garcia told KIRO 7 that he was stuck in traffic for four hours as he was traveling to work in Redmond.
Washington State Patrol said investigators are not ruling out alcohol or drugs as possible factors, until the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office confirms.
Investigators said at least two vehicles, traveling in the southbound lanes, had flat tires caused by the debris.
“Sheer luck that of everything that didn’t happen that could’ve happen. You get a big chunk of concrete and flying through the road, anybody could’ve hit that thing and cause a way worse accident than what it was,” said Derreld Carmin, who was impacted by the traffic.
There were no reported injuries.
While southbound lanes have been cleared, drivers are still experiencing delays as they travel south.
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