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UPDATED: Semi-truck crash blocks all southbound I-5 lanes in Blaine

Scene of a semi-truck crash after the truck crossed the median from the northbound to southbound lanes (September 28, 2022). Photo courtesy WSP

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.

Approximate location of the crash on I-5

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.

Scene of a semi-truck crash after crossing the median from the northbound to southbound lanes (September 28, 2022). Photo courtesy WSP
Scene of a semi-truck crash after crossing the median from the northbound to southbound lanes (September 28, 2022). Photo courtesy WSP

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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Video originally tweeted by WSDOT North (@wsdot_north) on September 28, 2022 at 5:54am.

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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