Rollover accident on I-5 disrupts morning rush hour in South Sound

SEATAC, Washington — Large portions of Interstate 5 in the South Sound resembled a parking lot Thursday morning after a rollover crash in SeaTac caused significant traffic delays, including a backup about 7 miles long.

Washington State Patrol officials are investigating the incident, which led to the complete closure of a portion of the highway.

Two vehicles were involved in the accident, with the vehicle that caused the accident driving into a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck from behind at high speed.

The driver of the Toyota Tacoma pickup was ejected from the vehicle and fortunately did not suffer life-threatening injuries,” said WSP Trooper Rick Johnson. “The driver of the crashed vehicle was evaluated at the hospital and is currently en route to the King County Jail. He is under arrest for alleged assault with a vehicle.”

Johnson posted the first post about the crash on X at 3:06 am

As officers rushed to the scene, they noticed another vehicle driving erratically, Johnson said. The driver, suspected of driving under the influence, was arrested after a PIT maneuver.

All lanes of northbound I-5 near South 188th Street in SeaTac remain closed and are expected to remain closed for several more hours, officials said.