News

Lanes reopen after semi crash near Boeing Field snarls I-5 traffic

SEATTLE — Lanes in both directions of Interstate 5 were blocked for hours after a semi overturned onto the hillside median at mid-Boeing Field in South Seattle Wednesday morning.

KIRO 7 Traffic Anchor Alexis Smith said the collision was about a mile south of the Albro Street exit. 

State troopers said the semi struck a car before ending up on the embankment.

See photos of the crash here.

The semi driver told KIRO 7 a car cut him off, forcing him to cut across three lanes of traffic on northbound I-5 and plunge over the embankment. The truck went onto its side and slid down the hillside but did not roll over.  The driver was able to kick out a window and get out.

Seattle fire said the 39-year-old semi driver has minor injuries but declined treatment.  Three other people were hurt -- a 34-year-woman, a 35-year-old man and a 1-year-old.  They all had minor injuries.

Technical rescue team firefighters secured the truck, estimated to weight 60,000 to 80,000 pounds, using a series of ropes and chains.  Heavy duty wreckers lowered the truck down the hillside to stabilize it.  The truck will be removed after the Wednesday evening commute.

By 3:09 p.m., all lanes had reopened.

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