TACOMA, Wash. — A multi-vehicle crash involving a semitruck on southbound I-5, just north of 84th Street in Tacoma, has resulted in one person’s death and has caused a major backup.
Washington State Patrol trooper Ryan Burke said a semi jackknifed after it began approaching traffic that had slowed or stopped in the right lane.
The driver of the semi swerved left to avoid hitting a car in front of him, then hit a car in the left lane, jackknifed, and ended up hitting the vehicle in front of him anyway, Burke said.
The driver that was in the left lane was pronounced dead at the scene after some good Samaritans tried their best to help her, according to authorities.
No other injuries had been reported as of yet.
The crash had blocked all lanes of traffic at one point, with traffic being diverted to the 72nd Street exit as an alternate route.
Troopers tweeted just after 10:35 p.m. that the freeway had reopened to traffic.
Sadly this has turned into a fatality collision. @wsdot_tacoma has traffic diverted to the 72nd Street exit (#129) for the detour. Please be patient. WSP is on scene investigating. I will continue to post updates as they come in.
— Trooper Robert Reyer (@wspd1pio) February 27, 2021
Traffic is backed up from HWy 18 to the the deadly crash on SB 5 near 84th
— TracyTaylorTraffic (@TracyTTraffic) February 27, 2021
Arrows in pink are the alt routes. Drivers are telling me that South Tacoma Way is JAMMED from this as well. #kiro7traffic #seattletraffic #kiro7 #seattle #traffic pic.twitter.com/qmQoPG7pM4
Here's a look at the back up on I-5 for the deadly crash near 84th
— TracyTaylorTraffic (@TracyTTraffic) February 27, 2021
only 1 lane open SB 5 pic.twitter.com/2DP3xdzET2
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