Local Guide

Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down Northbound I-5 in Tacoma

James Sawyer
August 8, 2026
Picture Credit: Will Creswick

A major crash involving eight to 10 vehicles, including a semi-truck, shut down all northbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Tacoma on Friday morning. The crash happened near South 72nd Street shortly before 2 a.m., causing significant traffic disruption.

According to Washington State Patrol troopers, a northbound car struck a light pole before crossing all southbound lanes and eventually coming to rest in a ditch. The collision involved several other vehicles and left some cars heavily damaged or destroyed.

Despite the severity of the crash, no major injuries were reported. Emergency crews and troopers remained at the scene while investigators worked to determine what caused the collision.

The entire northbound side of I-5 was closed for more than five hours, while one southbound lane was also blocked. All lanes were reopened shortly before 7:30 a.m., allowing traffic to resume.

JS
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