WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) released details from their initial investigation regarding the rollover crash that closed the northbound lanes of I-5 south of Bellingham for about 4 hours yesterday, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
According to the WSP press memo, the incident was reported at about 7:45pm. A white 2020 Hyundai Kona SUV was traveling northbound on I-5 when it “failed to merge for construction.” The vehicle struck the barrier, rolled, and came to rest on its top on the left shoulder.
The driver, an 83-year-old Elma WA man, was injured and transported to Harborview Medical Center. The passenger, a 57-year-old Elma WA woman, was injured and transported to St Joseph Medical Center. Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The vehicle was totaled and towed from the scene. Drugs or alcohol were determined to have not been involved.
Both lanes of I-5 were closed as a result of the crash. About 11:30pm, the Washington State Department of Transportation reported all lanes were reopened.
The crash occurred at the south end of a WSDOT construction zone which includes a temporary 2-lane bypass road that will be used through September. The construction is to improve fish passage channels under the roadway as required by a 2013 federal court injunction.
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