Fatal collision on I-5 SB blocks traffic in Everett

EVERETT, Wash. — A fatal collision on Interstate 5 southbound at State Route 526 in Everett caused major traffic delays during Thursday’s morning commute, blocking three of the four freeway lanes for over three hours.

According to Trooper Kelsey Harding with the Washington State Patrol, the collision involved one car and a pedestrian. The pedestrian fell from the State Route 526 overpass.

Washington State Patrol is working on verifying who the pedestrian was and notifying the next of kin, and will release further information as it becomes available.

The right three lanes were blocked and traffic was paired down to one lane, the HOV lane, while troopers investigated.

As of 5:35 a.m., the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) told travelers that there was no estimated time for reopening, with drivers being asked to use alternate routes and expect delays.

Around 8 a.m., WSDOT shared that the backups were stretching over 11 miles, and growing. Only one lane remained open.

Travelers were told to prepare for major delays going southbound or to avoid the area altogether.

By 9 a.m., WSDOT posted that all lanes had been cleared and the highway was fully open. However the backup on I-5 southbound remained at 10 miles, and State Route 9, State Route 204, and U.S. Route 2 were also backed up.

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