Multi-vehicle crash that blocked I-5 in Tacoma may have been caused by racing

TACOMA, Wash. — An overnight crash involving four vehicles that blocked all lanes of southbound Interstate 5 in Tacoma for nearly seven hours may have been caused by racing, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The crash among three cars and a motorcycle happened near South 56th Street at around 1 a.m. Tuesday.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Robert Reyer said a 911 caller reported the three cars were racing before the crash, something that the state patrol says is happening more often.

“We actually hear about these occurrences quite frequently, especially lately. This has been happening a lot more over the last year, year and a half. We’ve definitely been noticing an uptick in speeds and aggressive, very dangerous driving,” said Reyer.

After the three cars crashed, a motorcyclist, who had a passenger on board, clipped one of the cars. The 57-year-old man who was driving the motorcycle and his 32-year-old female passenger were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

A 35-year-old man who was driving one of the cars was also taken to the hospital.

The crash scene was a quarter-mile long.

All southbound lanes reopened at about 7:50 a.m.

Troopers say there is the potential for criminal charges to be filed for vehicular assault. They are also investigating whether any of the drivers were under the influence.

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