A Seattle Police Department patrol car was significantly damaged in a downtown collision early Friday morning, prompting a brief closure at one of the city’s busiest intersections during the morning commute. The crash occurred near 5th Avenue and Seneca Street, a central junction in the business district that typically sees heavy traffic just after sunrise.
Images from the scene showed the front end of the SPD cruiser severely crumpled, with airbags deployed and a nearby utility pole visibly damaged. Another vehicle at the scene also bore signs of impact, but details surrounding its involvement remain unclear. Seattle police have yet to confirm whether the patrol unit was responding to a call or conducting a routine patrol at the time of the crash.
As of Friday afternoon, no official update has been given regarding injuries to the officers or civilians involved. Tow trucks removed the damaged vehicles while city crews worked to clear debris and restore normal traffic flow. The intersection, though temporarily shut down, reopened within a few hours.
The area around 5th and Seneca functions as a key commuter artery into the downtown core, especially during early business hours. While disruptions were short-lived, the incident adds to ongoing concerns around public safety and road conditions in a part of the city where pedestrian and vehicle traffic often intersect.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with police reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts. For now, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances behind the collision—and whether any adjustments to protocols or road use might be warranted in its aftermath.
