Northbound I-5 near Marysville turned into a tragic scene when a school bus struck a car in the HOV lane, killing the driver and choking traffic for hours as first responders and investigators flooded the freeway.
Video Captures Chaotic Aftermath
Raw video from the scene shows firefighters and medics working around a crumpled car with the bus stopped a short distance away. According to KIRO 7 News, the victim was a 29-year-old man who later died from his injuries.
What State Patrol Says Happened
The Washington State Patrol told reporters the man's car had come to a stop in the northbound HOV lane when the school bus hit it. Troopers have not yet said why the car stopped or what led up to the impact.
The collision happened just south of SR 529 at milepost 197, and the bus driver was taken to a hospital, details reported by MyNorthwest. Multiple lanes were closed for an extended period while investigators documented the scene and crews cleared the wreckage.
Community Rallies To Bring Him Home
In the days after the crash, friends and local organizations moved quickly to raise money so the man's remains could be returned to his family in Senegal. Organizers said donations had topped $24,000, and community leaders remembered him as "young, energetic, disciplined, hardworking," according to KIRO 7 News.
Washington State Patrol is still investigating and has asked anyone with information about the crash to contact authorities, according to MyNorthwest. More details are expected as the inquiry moves forward.
