Multiple crashes, fatality, milk spill are causing chaos on Washington interstate
Transportation authorities in Washington state say that northbound I-5 in Fife won’t reopen anytime soon after a series of crashes left one person dead and the interstate covered in a large amount of milk.
The trouble began around 4 a.m. on Friday when a pedestrian was struck and killed after being hit by two cars near 70th Avenue in Fife. The person was pronounced dead at the scene.
About half an hour later on northbound I-5 at mile marker 138.8, three semi trucks collided in traffic that was slowed from the fatal crash.
Troopers said that clearing the crash is proving to be complicated as “30,000 lbs of fish need to be reloaded and a large milk spill cleared.”
A twisted axel on one of the semi trucks is also causing complications with getting the vehicle towed off the interstate.
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
Five mile backups have been reported in the area. As of 11:30 a.m., troopers said that Northbound I-5 at 54th Ave E is still totally blocked.
🚨North I-5 at 54th Ave E is still fully blocked after a collision involving 3 semis. Troopers and @wsdot_tacoma at the scene. 30,000 lbs of fish need to be reloaded and a large milk spill cleared. Updates will be posted when available pic.twitter.com/uzKj5r8L0K
— Trooper Robert Reyer (@wspd1pio) May 7, 2021
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