Cars
Tragic Overpass Crash Claims One Life, Leaves Multiple Injured in Tukwila
2025-03-07

A devastating traffic accident occurred on Friday morning in Tukwila, Washington, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The incident involved a vehicle that reportedly fell from an overpass onto Interstate 5, leading to a multi-vehicle collision. Four cars were involved in total, with three others being struck on I-5 after the initial fall. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the highway and significant traffic backups. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, emphasizing its unusual nature.

The impact of this tragic event extends beyond physical harm, affecting those involved emotionally and causing substantial traffic disruptions. While some occupants sustained minor injuries, others faced more severe consequences, including fatalities. Law enforcement is also pursuing charges against an individual who fled the scene, complicating the investigation further.

Unusual Incident Shocks Witnesses and First Responders

The unprecedented nature of the accident left both witnesses and emergency personnel astonished. A vehicle plummeted from State Route 599's overpass onto Interstate 5, sparking a chain reaction that involved four vehicles in total. DeJean Bowens, whose car was struck during the chaos, recounted the terrifying moments when his vehicle was hit multiple times. “It felt like being caught in a nightmare,” he said, highlighting the suddenness and unpredictability of the situation.

Washington State Trooper Rick Johnson emphasized the rarity of such incidents during his 34-year career. “This is not something we encounter often,” he noted, adding that the focus is now on determining the factors that led to the vehicle falling off the overpass. Initial reports suggest that one person was ejected before the SUV fell, suffering minor injuries but refusing medical attention. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities keen to understand the sequence of events leading up to this catastrophic moment.

Investigation and Traffic Disruptions Highlight Complexity of Event

The aftermath of the crash has been marked by complex investigative efforts and significant traffic disruptions. Following the collision, lanes on Interstate 5 were blocked for hours, causing traffic backups that stretched for miles. Emergency services worked tirelessly to clear the area and assist the injured, while law enforcement focused on piecing together the timeline of events. DeJean Bowens, one of the victims, expressed his physical discomfort and emotional distress, underscoring the lasting impact of the accident on all involved.

Adding another layer to the investigation, a man was arrested for felony hit-and-run after fleeing the scene. Although it remains unclear if he was the driver of the SUV, his actions have complicated the investigation. Authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and interview witnesses to ensure a thorough understanding of what transpired. The Washington State Department of Transportation reported that traffic fully reopened around 3:20 p.m., but the emotional scars and unanswered questions will linger for much longer.

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