A motorcyclist was killed Saturday on South Tacoma Way in Tacoma after rear-ending a car, then being struck by a second vehicle, according to witnesses and police. The impact shut down a busy stretch of the south Tacoma corridor for hours while investigators worked the scene.
Crash details
According to KING 5, the crash unfolded in the 6400 block of South Tacoma Way when a motorcycle hit the rear of a vehicle that had slowed ahead of it. Witnesses told the outlet the rider was thrown from the bike and then run over by another vehicle. Tacoma Police shut down the block from South 62nd to South 66th avenues as officers documented the scene. Authorities said everyone involved stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Why this stretch matters
South Tacoma Way has been singled out in the City of Tacoma’s Vision Zero planning as a corridor with recurring serious crashes, and the city has been pursuing safety upgrades along portions of the route. That ongoing work makes wrecks like Saturday’s a key concern for traffic-safety advocates and public-works staff as they weigh design changes intended to cut down on severe collisions.
Investigation continues
Tacoma Police are leading the investigation and have not yet released the rider’s identity, according to KING 5. Officers kept the roadway closed for hours as they processed the crash site and collected evidence.
Traffic impacts
The closure triggered backups on nearby arterials during the afternoon as crews worked to clear the scene and reopen lanes. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Tacoma Police Department.
