A tragic incident unfolded on the evening of Sunday, September 3, 2023, when a two-vehicle collision on southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) in Tacoma, Washington, resulted in one fatality and left two others injured. The crash occurred just north of the interchange with State Route 16 at approximately 9:23 p.m. 

A tragic incident unfolded on the evening of Sunday, September 3, 2023, when a two-vehicle collision on southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) in Tacoma, Washington, resulted in one fatality and left two others injured. The crash occurred just north of the interchange with State Route 16 at approximately 9:23 p.m.

Incident Overview

According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), a Mazda carrying three adults and a child was disabled and blocking a lane when it was struck by a pickup truck traveling southbound. The impact caused the Mazda to spin out and crash. A 41-year-old woman, a passenger in the Mazda, was declared dead at the scene. The other occupants of the Mazda, including a 13-year-old girl and a 41-year-old man, both from Tacoma, sustained injuries and were transported to Tacoma General Hospital. The driver of the pickup truck, a 24-year-old man from Federal Way, was uninjured. All individuals involved were reportedly wearing seat belts.

Investigation and Roadway Impact

The cause of the crash is under investigation, and authorities do not suspect alcohol or drugs were factors. In the aftermath, all southbound lanes of I-5 were blocked, and traffic was diverted onto the shoulder. By about 11:00 p.m., the backups had stretched approximately two miles to the Tacoma Dome. The incident was cleared by about 12:45 a.m. Monday, allowing traffic to resume normal flow.

Previous Incidents on I-5 in Tacoma

This incident adds to a series of recent crashes on I-5 in the Tacoma area. In January 2025, a 17-year-old driver caused a fatal crash on I-5 near Lakewood by driving the wrong way on the highway before striking another car head-on. The driver was arrested for DUI.

In December 2024, a multi-vehicle crash involving a FedEx semi-truck on northbound I-5 near the Yakima Avenue overpass blocked all but two lanes. No major injuries were reported, and all drivers were cleared of intoxication.

In March 2022, a fatal multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-5 near Tacoma involved two semi-trucks and five cars. One person died at the scene, and the driver of one of the semis was arrested

Safety Reminders

Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution, especially when approaching disabled vehicles on the roadway. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) advises motorists to move over when possible and to be vigilant for emergency vehicles and other hazards.

This tragic event underscores the importance of safe driving practices and the need for heightened awareness on the roadways.