TACOMA, Wash. — Four people were hospitalized, including two children, after a driver accused of racing along the highway caused a collision in Tacoma on Friday morning.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said the collision blocked the four left lanes along Interstate 5 northbound at McKinley Street just before 8 a.m. A spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) said the causing vehicle was allegedly racing another car before colliding with a pickup truck.
Washington State Patrol said that witnesses saw two white BMWs racing before the crash. Witnesses said one of those BMWs hit the back of the pick-up truck, which caused the truck to hit the concrete median and flip multiple times.
There was a family inside the truck, including a 1-month-old baby and a 3-year-old who were in the backseat. The mom and two children received minor injuries. The dad, who was driving the truck, has serious injuries but is expected to recover. WSP Trooper John Dattilo said that the injuries of the children could have been much worse if they were not securely fastened in the backseat of the car.
“I think it probably would have had disastrous consequences," Datillo said. "The truck rolled several times and all the windows were broken out.”
Anyone who is unsure if their child's car seat is installed correctly can visit a local police or fire station and they can assist.
The 18-year-old causing driver was arrested for vehicular assault Friday morning. Dattilo said they are still searching for the second BMW that was alleged to be racing before the crash. It is described as white with tinted windows and black rims. It is a 2015-2020 model.
“As far as we know, this isn't connected to any larger racing organizations," Datillo said. "It's two people who made a poor decision on a roadway today.”
Troopers say a good Samaritan, who was a doctor, stopped when the crash happened and tended to the family.
Datillo said that they see more reckless driving during the summer months and are cracking down on it right now with enforcement efforts.
“We do want to make it known that when you drive dangerously, there are consequences, both legal and personal,” Datillo said.
The northbound lanes of the highway reopened just after noon, marking a closure that lasted over four hours.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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