BLAINE, Wash. — First responders were dispatched to a report of a crash in the southbound lanes of I-5 south of the Peace Portal interchange in Blaine about 5:15am on Wednesday, September 28th.
A Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper reported to WSP dispatch that there was a semi-truck with a damaged trailer blocking all the southbound lanes. No other vehicles were reported to have been involved in the crash, but a roadside sign was damaged.
WSP Trooper Jacob Kennett told Whatcom News the semi-truck was determined to have been northbound on I-5 when the driver fell asleep. The semi-truck crossed the median and ended up facing north in the southbound lanes. The truck and trailer suffered significant damage as a result. “Fortunately, there was no southbound traffic in the area at the time,” Kennett added. The driver did not require medical transport from the scene. Any possible charges are pending further investigation.
A Class-C tow truck was requested to clear the wreckage. WSDOT officials reported there was a diesel fuel spill at the crash scene.
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According to WSDOT cameras, traffic was able to get through the crash scene via the right shoulder.
As of 6:45am, all traffic was blocked to enable a tow truck to clear the semi-truck and trailer.
As of 7:05am, traffic was again able to get through the crash scene via the right shoulder.
As of 8:15am, traffic was still being diverted around the crash scene via the shoulder.
As of 10:30am, both lanes had been reopened.
Readers are encouraged to stay up to date on local driving conditions via the Whatcom News Traffic page.
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