A 45-vehicle crash on I-5 in Kent leads to hours of closure

KENT, Wash. – All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 have reopened after a 45-vehicle crash south of SR 516 in Kent led to an hours-long traffic jam Sunday afternoon.

According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), multiple collisions occurred on I-5 near 272nd Street around 1:40 p.m

The traffic jam reached just over 5 miles and began to ease as lanes reopened. Traffic was also diverted to the SR 516 exit, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Tow trucks are ready to assist at the scene of the accident. WSDOT said once all vehicles are removed, a sand truck will arrive to clean up a minor oil spill.

WSP Trooper Rick Johnson said the accidents were caused by drivers speeding and not by road or weather conditions.

The total number of cars involved is 45.