Lanes Reopen After Deadly I-5 Crash In Pierce County

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The driver of a pickup truck was killed on southbound I-5 near JBLM Wednesday morning, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The truck, which was in the left lane, crossed all lanes to the right and struck a semi trailer which was stopped in the right shoulder. The pickup then careened into a third vehicle. The drivers of the semi truck and third vehicle were both uninjured, but the pickup driver was killed.

First responders had to close the two rightmost lanes of the freeway for several hours, ultimately reopening the roadway just before 11 a.m. However, by that time I-5 had already accrued miles of backups.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but troopers say the incident is a good reminder to take it slow during the wet weather, and always stay aware of road and light conditions.