KING-PIERCE COUNTY LINE, Wash. — All northbound lanes of I-5 at the King-Pierce County line reopened after two major crashes involving multiple vehicles and a fatality.
The fatal crash happened at 3:50 a.m. Friday. Washington State Patrol said a man was crossing the northbound lanes when he was hit and killed by two cars north of 70th Avenue East. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second crash happened in the backup at 54th Avenue East involving three semi-trucks. One was carrying milk and cream, which spilled and needs to be cleaned up.
Diesel fuel was also spilled during the crash. A crew from the Department of Ecology is assessing impacts to Hylebos Creek from the spills.
WSP said another semi-truck was carrying 30,000 pounds of fish that needs to be offloaded.
Washington State Department of Transportation said the cleanup would take longer due to the extent of the damage to one of the trailers, which has a twisted axel.
Crews needed to remove all fuel from the semi-trucks before they can be towed away.
At about 3 p.m., all lanes reopened.
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Here's a daytime look at the collision involving two semis that's led to northbound I-5 being closed at the Fife curve. Follow @wsdot_tacoma for updates, but if you need to travel soon take alternate routes. This will take a while. pic.twitter.com/l4O5YUcLVQ
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 7, 2021
The cleanup is made more complicated due to the extent of the damage to one of the trailers. See how the axel is twisted? We're working to drag the trailer to the shoulder, but likely will need a lowboy trailer to haul away. pic.twitter.com/Jt4W1cYaZd
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) May 7, 2021
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