Six people were killed and another was in critical condition after a two-car crash late Sunday morning on Highway 509 in the Tacoma Tideflats, by the port, according to the Washington State Patrol. Two other people were injured in the crash but are now in stable condition.
State Patrol Trooper John Dattilo said a major accident investigation team was deployed to the scene near Alexander Avenue around noon Sunday. Friends and family of those killed in the crash also showed up to the scene, Dattilo said.
The crash, reported around 11:17 a.m., was blocking northbound 509 and drivers were told to expect hourslong road closures Sunday. In addition to State Patrol, officials from the Fife Police Department, Fife Public Works and the state’s Department of Transportation were on site to help with traffic control, Dattilo said.
Five people were confirmed dead at the scene, Dattilo said, and a sixth was later pronounced dead. Dattilo said it was unclear if that person died at the site of the crash or while being transported to the hospital.
Seven people in a gray 2021 Kia Forte hatchback were traveling on Alexander Avenue and two others in a white BMW SUV were on 509 when the BMW T-boned the Kia in the intersection, according to troopers. The Kia caught fire after the crash, Dattilo said. It’s unclear if the flames or smoke contributed to the passengers’ deaths or injuries.
“I can’t confirm any single violation that would have caused this crash,” Dattilo said, noting that detectives will be looking for surveillance video. “It’s going to be under investigation, probably for a while.”
Six people were killed and another was in critical condition after a two-car crash late Sunday morning on Highway 509 in the Tacoma Tideflats, by the port, according to the Washington State Patrol. Two other people were injured in the crash but are now in stable condition.
State Patrol Trooper John Dattilo said a major accident investigation team was deployed to the scene near Alexander Avenue around noon Sunday. Friends and family of those killed in the crash also showed up to the scene, Dattilo said.
The crash, reported around 11:17 a.m., was blocking northbound 509 and drivers were told to expect hourslong road closures Sunday. In addition to State Patrol, officials from the Fife Police Department, Fife Public Works and the state’s Department of Transportation were on site to help with traffic control, Dattilo said.
Five people were confirmed dead at the scene, Dattilo said, and a sixth was later pronounced dead. Dattilo said it was unclear if that person died at the site of the crash or while being transported to the hospital.
Seven people in a gray 2021 Kia Forte hatchback were traveling on Alexander Avenue and two others in a white BMW SUV were on 509 when the BMW T-boned the Kia in the intersection, according to troopers. The Kia caught fire after the crash, Dattilo said. It’s unclear if the flames or smoke contributed to the passengers’ deaths or injuries.
“I can’t confirm any single violation that would have caused this crash,” Dattilo said, noting that detectives will be looking for surveillance video. “It’s going to be under investigation, probably for a while.”
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