Southbound Interstate 5 lanes near Kent were blocked for several hours Sunday afternoon following a multiple vehicle crash, according to the Washington State Patrol, the state Department of Transportation and area fire crews.
Trooper Rick Johnson said via social media about 1:40 p.m that the southbound lanes were “fully blocked” for the time being.
He said 45 vehicles were involved in the wreck, although there were no serious injuries.
The crash was between the Kent/Des Moines area and Federal Way. Traffic backups extended for miles, according to WSDOT.
“Traffic being diverted to state Route 516,” Johnson said. “Tow trucks on the way and hoping to clear some lanes as soon as possible.”
Trooper Johnson urged drivers to slow down.
“These collisions were caused by drivers going too fast, not the road or weather conditions,” he said.
WSDOT also alerted drivers about the crash, as well as area fire departments.
Puget Sound Fire said they, South King Fire & Rescue, King County Medic One and WSP were on scene.
South King Fire officials initially estimated that as many as 30 vehicles were involved in the crash.
Southbound lanes reopened about 4:40 p.m., Trooper Johnson said.
45 cars were involved. No serious injuries. Will be investigated as one collision for paperwork purposes. Still working on clearing roadway.
— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) October 27, 2024
SKF and @PugetSoundFire are at a multi car MVA on SB I5. Reports are that 30-plus vehicles are involved. Crews are still assessing injuries. Everyone should avoid the area if possible. Many crews are responding to the scene.
— South King Fire (@Southkingfire) October 27, 2024
