BOTHELL, Wash. — All lanes of southbound Interstate 405 were blocked at the Interstate 5 interchange in the Bothell-Lynnwood area after a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles.
The crash just before the Bothell Everett Highway/State Route 527 was first reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation at 4:25 a.m. on Tuesday.
A KIA struck the barrier on the right side of the highway, bounced back into traffic, and was hit by two cars. The driver of the car that struck the barrier then got out of his vehicle and was hit by a semi-truck, according to Washington State Patrol Sgt. Rocky Oliphant.
Detectives said the 41-year-old man died at the scene. They are still trying to determine what caused him to lose control.
“It sounds like he was (in) the road (after the crash). I don’t know if he was disoriented or what his mindset was at the time. We’re not understanding why he was (in) the road,” said Oliphant.
Troopers used drones to map the scene.
“There are six vehicles involved with this collision scene. It’s a very long scene — it’s about 1,500 feet long, so there’s evidence in the road that we have to capture,” said Oliphant.
Troopers spoke with all of the drivers involved.
“Everybody at the scene has been cooperative with us, there is no suspected impairment involved,” said Oliphant.
The closure caused major backups for drivers. Many were left wondering what happened.
“I think that’s pretty crazy. You know, they talk about staying in your car when you get in an accident, especially in the dark. I mean, I can imagine probably (that) no one could see him, so that’s pretty sad,” said driver Jeff Mustomen.
Troopers said if you are ever in a situation where your car becomes disabled, or you’re involved in a crash on the highway, stay in your car.
The southbound lanes were closed for about six hours. Traffic was diverted onto southbound Interstate 5 during the closure.