Deadly Semi-Truck Rollover and Fire Shuts Down I-5 in Tacoma, Killing Driver
TACOMA, WA — A tragic rollover crash involving a semi-truck claimed the life of the driver and shut down both directions of Interstate 5 in Tacoma early Tuesday morning, sending emergency crews into action and causing significant delays for morning commuters.
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the incident occurred around 4:45 a.m. near South 84th Street. A traffic camera operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation captured the harrowing aftermath — a fiery wreck consuming the semi-truck and casting a grim glow across the highway.
WSP Trooper John Dattilo confirmed that the semi-truck struck the center concrete barrier, flipped onto its side, and erupted into flames. The force of the crash was so intense that a light pole was knocked down and fell across the northbound lanes. The impact scattered debris across all lanes in both directions, severely damaging the center divider and complicating the emergency response.
Tragically, the driver of the semi-truck died at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Firefighters from West Pierce Fire & Rescue responded swiftly, battling the blaze that engulfed the vehicle. By the time the flames were extinguished, the truck was a mangled, charred heap, barely recognizable as a commercial vehicle.
“The damage was extreme,” said Trooper Dattilo. “The fire completely destroyed the cab of the semi. Our crews did everything they could, but unfortunately, the driver was not able to survive.”
Despite the chaos and extensive debris, officials reported that no other injuries occurred. Several vehicles traveling in the southbound lanes hit debris from the crash, but no drivers or passengers were hurt.
All lanes of Interstate 5 were initially closed as emergency crews assessed the damage and cleared the scene. Traffic was diverted onto off-ramps, leading to major congestion and lengthy detours for morning drivers. By approximately 8:30 a.m., two southbound lanes had reopened, though cleanup and repair efforts were expected to continue for several more hours.
Road crews began immediate work to repair the center barrier, which sustained heavy structural damage in the collision. The fallen light pole and debris scattered across the lanes also required removal before the highway could safely reopen.
The crash and its aftermath serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by truck drivers and all motorists on busy interstates. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and WSP has not yet determined if factors such as weather, speed, or mechanical failure contributed to the incident.
Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, reduce speed during early morning hours, and follow traffic updates for ongoing closures and delays in the area.
As the community mourns the loss of the driver, transportation officials and law enforcement are working diligently to understand what happened and ensure the roadway is safe for public use once again. More details will be released as the investigation continues.