LACEY, Wash. — A fiery crash shut down southbound Interstate 5 near Lacey early Thursday morning.
The road has since completely reopened.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said he was traveling down southbound I-5 searching for a suspect who fled a traffic stop when he spotted a multi-vehicle collision near exit 111. Two of the vehicles involved in the crash were on fire, but no one was inside at the time.
There were three cars total involved in the collision, including one carrying a mother and her child, according to Washington State Patrol. The driver believed to have caused the accident has not been arrested.
Three other people involved in the collision fled the scene but were later contacted by law enforcement. Several people involved are at area hospitals for treatment of broken bones.
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office shut down the freeway for firefighters to gain control of the fire. The road was closed for hours overnight before fully reopening after 5 a.m.
WSP is continuing to investigate the collision, and if impairment was a potential cause.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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