All lanes on southbound I-5 just south of SR 516 (Kent/Des Moines Road) in Kent were closed due to a massive, multi-vehicle accident involving 45 drivers on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 27, 2024, causing a backup of over five miles.
Puget Sound Fire, South King Fire & Rescue, King County Medic One, and the Washington State Patrol responded.
Fox13 reported that 18 tow trucks were needed to help clear the massive crash site.
A few victims were hospitalized, and many more were stuck in traffic for hours in the backup.
Cause(s) of the accident was not released, but there were heavy squalls of rain and wind moving through at the time, causing low visibility and slick roads.
Once all vehicles were removed, a sand truck was scheduled to clean up a minor oil spill.
All lanes were fully reopened late in the afternoon.
FINAL UPDATE: All lanes on SB I-5 just south of SR 516 in Kent have now fully reopened.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) October 27, 2024
The backup is still over 5 miles. Allow time for the back to clear as well. https://t.co/jcfZsRLiBP
UPDATE 4: All lanes remain blocked on SB I-5 just south of SR 516 in Kent. Tow trucks are making some progress. Just a few more vehicles left to tow.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) October 27, 2024
Once all vehicles have been removed, a sand truck will come in to clean up a minor oil spill.
Backups are just over 5 miles. https://t.co/xHwjzxLmg2 pic.twitter.com/fCW2y12Fla
Puget Sound Fire, South King Fire & Rescue, @KingCoMedicOne, WSP on location of a multiple vehicle crash on southbound I-5 at Kent Des Moines Road. All lanes of southbound I-5 are currently closed.
— Puget Sound Fire (@PugetSoundFire) October 27, 2024
