Arlington: Multi-Vehicle Collision and Vehicle Fire Shuts Down I-5 Northbound

WSDOT live cameraPhoto bySkagit Breaking/WSDOT

ARLINGTON, WASHINGTON - August 16, 2024 (11:49 PM) — A serious multi-vehicle accident and vehicle fire have occurred on I-5 northbound just north of Pioneer Highway/530, south of the Stillaguamish River in Arlington. All lanes are currently blocked, causing significant traffic delays in the area.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the traffic backup stretches nearly two miles, and drivers are being urged to avoid the area and prepare for extended delays.

Midnight Update: Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding has reported that the accident involved a three-car collision. All vehicles involved were previously on fire and fully engulfed in flames. When tow trucks attempted to separate the vehicles, the flames reignited, leading to a continuation of the fire. As a result, all lanes remain blocked with no estimated time for reopening. Detours are being established through SR531 and SR530.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the crash was caused by a driver traveling at high speeds. The driver has since been taken into custody by troopers. A video captured by Samantha Jennings shows the intense vehicle fires on I-5 in Arlington.

Lanes were back open around 2:30 am according to a post on X (formerly Twitter)

Update: New details have emerged following the three-vehicle collision on northbound I-5 near 236th Street NE late Friday night. The crash, which occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m., involved three vehicles that were traveling in the first lane. The initial vehicle collided with two others, causing all three to come to a halt and catch fire.

The incident has now been attributed to excessive speed given the road conditions at the time.

The driver of the first vehicle, an 18-year-old male from Arlington, WA, has been charged with reckless driving. Neither he nor his 16-year-old male passenger was injured in the crash. The second vehicle was driven by a 59-year-old female from Blaine, WA, who also escaped injury. The driver of the third vehicle, a 33-year-old male from Wasilla, AK, was the sole person injured in the accident.

Authorities confirmed that drugs or alcohol were not factors in the collision. The investigation is ongoing, and further information may be released as it becomes available.

This Information was obtained from Washington State Patrol via Press Memo; All Suspects are Presumed Innocent Until proven Guilty in a court of law.

This is a developing story. More updates will follow as information becomes available. Please avoid the area if possible and stay tuned for further updates.