Shortly before 4pm today, a two-vehicle rollover accident was reported by the northbound Custer rest area.
Traffic was being diverted at the Grandview Road interchange since both lanes were blocked northbound at the crash site.
First responders reported one fatality at the scene.
This article will be updated as information is made available. Monitor the traffic situation in real-time from our traffic page.
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4:30pm update
Washington State Patrol Sgt. Mark Francis confirmed one person is dead after a southbound vehicle crossed the median and struck a northbound vehicle. There are others with unspecified injuries. Northbound traffic is backed up past the Portal Way interchange.
5:30pm update
Traffic remains a big issue as the evening commuters heading northbound found I-5 being diverted at Grandview Road. Soon after traffic began being diverted at Portal Way as well. At 5:30pm, the back up extended almost to the Slater Road interchange. When there is a fatality crash, troopers typically need about two hours to conduct their investigation and record information.
6:30pm update
Further details from the WSP are the person driving the vehicle which crossed the median is deceased. Driver of the northbound vehicle that was struck has non-life threatening injuries.
While it is hoped a lane can be opened soon, northbound I-5 traffic is still being diverted off I-5 at Portal Way and Grandview Road. The traffic backup on northbound I-5 still stretches south to the Slater Road interchange.
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Click for more information6:50pm update
WSDOT reports all lanes have reopened along northbound I-5. The Custer rest area will remain closed until further notice.
7pm update
Report of a motorcycle being hit at the end of the backup near Slater Road. Aid and law enforcement called to respond. Debris and the accident scene are blocking all lanes at the northbound off-ramp.
8:30pm update (final)
WSP reports the deceased man is David G. Spry, age 59, of Bellingham. Next of kin were notified.
Spry is reported to have been driving a 2007 Kia Optima when it cross the median into the northbound lanes. It struck, head on, a 2003 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Kent Schuyleman, age 37, of Lynden. Schuyleman’s 10-year old son was a passenger in the pickup.
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Both Schuylemans were transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
Spry’s vehicle rolled over coming to rest on its roof following the collision.
Spry is reported to not have been wearing his seatbelt while both Schuylemans were.
The cause remains under investigation. Involvement of drugs or alcohol is unknown.