Multi-Car Crash on Interstate 5 Results in Injuries [Thurston County, WA]

Thurston County, WA (February 4, 2026) — A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 in Thurston County left one person with major injuries and forced partial lane closures for more than seven hours Sunday night.

Washington State Patrol said the collision occurred around 9:42 p.m. near milepost 96, south of Tumwater.

Investigators reported that a 32-year-old Winlock man driving a Toyota RAV4 struck a Jeep Cherokee from behind while traveling southbound. The impact caused the Jeep to veer into another lane, where a semi-truck collided with it.

The Jeep’s driver, a 38-year-old man from Puyallup, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. First responders found him without a pulse but successfully revived him before transporting him to a hospital with major injuries. Authorities said all other occupants wore seatbelts and did not suffer injuries.

Troopers arrested the Toyota driver on suspicion of vehicular assault and driving under the influence. The investigation remains ongoing.

Let’s Drive Safer Together

High-speed crashes can occur in the blink of an eye, but so many are preventable with small, intelligent decisions. Pay attention, don’t get distracted (say, by texting) and never drive after drinking. As ever – obey speed limits, buckle up and keep plenty of room between yourself and other vehicles. These are small enough measures to save lives — including your own.

We can all take steps to help keep our roads safe for ourselves, our families and our communities.

Seatbelts save lives, and driving impaired puts everyone at risk. Motorists are urged to buckle up, avoid alcohol before driving, and stay alert to help prevent serious injuries on Washington roadways.

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