SEATTLE — All lanes of southbound Interstate 5 in Seattle's Northgate neighborhood were closed for about five hours Tuesday morning following a fatal multi-vehicle crash, creating long backups and delays for drivers during the morning commute.
A 35-year-old Everett man was taken into custody for investigation of vehicular homicide. He was later released as police continue their investigation.
The suspect has two open cases in Seattle Municipal Court, one for speeding in a school zone and the other for an HOV lane violation. He also has several charges in Snohomish County for DUI and driving with a suspended license.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) first reported the collision near Northeast Northgate Way at 3:25 a.m. The department said two right lanes of southbound I-5 reopened around 8:15 a.m. and a third opened just before 8:45 a.m.
Only the right lane was blocked by 12:30 p.m.
All lanes reopened around 3:20 p.m.
WSDOT reported the backup was around six miles long just before 9 a.m.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson said the crash involved two semi-trucks and two passenger vehicles.
All four vehicles were heading southbound when the causing vehicle lost control while traveling at a high rate of speed, striking other vehicles, according to information from State Patrol. The vehicle came to a rest, blocking one lane of the freeway. Another vehicle struck the causing vehicle, sending it out of control before it hit a Jersey barrier and a light pole.
A 47-year-old male driver from Surrey, B.C. was killed in the crash.
Drivers in the other two vehicles were uninjured.
The Washington State Patrol, WSDOT and Seattle Police Department were among the agencies that responded to the scene.
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