A car driving the wrong way collided on Interstate 5, sparking in flames, near Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s (JBLM) main gate Tuesday afternoon.
Troopers said the wrong-way vehicle collided with a semi truck, but there were no serious injuries as of this report.
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🚨#Collision involving a wrong-way vehicle and a semi on northbound I-5, just north of @JBLM_PAO main gate
🚧 Troopers, @wsdot_tacoma, and fire at the scene. Currently, all north- and southbound lanes are blocked
Luckily, no serious injuries! pic.twitter.com/iK0jz6dC4D
— Trooper Robert Reyer (@wspd1pio) March 7, 2023
Firefighters and medics responded to the scene alongside the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The wrong-way driver is in custody for alleged DUI, according to Trooper Robert Reyer.
#UPDATE – The wrong-way driver is in custody for DUI
We appreciate your patience as the troopers, tow truck operators, and @wsdot_tacoma are working to clear the vehicles and road debris
— Trooper Robert Reyer (@wspd1pio) March 8, 2023
A passenger going southbound on I-5 shared video of the wrong-way driver hitting the semi-truck. Remarkably, there were no serious injuries.
pic.twitter.com/pL6rEra0wU
— Sammie_Rose (@RealSammmie1) March 8, 2023
Backups lasted up to 10 miles long Tuesday night as WSDOT crews continued to clean up debris.
The intense heat of the fire created a lot of debris that our crews are still cleaning up on NB I-5. Two lanes are open. We know this is not how you wanted your Tuesday to end. Thank you for your continued patience. pic.twitter.com/DmyVtI6y8F
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) March 8, 2023
