A motorcyclist was killed Monday afternoon in a multi-vehicle collision that shut down every eastbound lane of State Route 512 near Puyallup, instantly turning the late-day drive into a miles-long headache. The crash involved a motorcycle, a box truck and two passenger cars and was reported around 3:25 p.m., officials said. Emergency crews and Washington State Patrol troopers rushed to the scene while traffic was pushed off the highway and onto nearby streets.
What officials reported
In a post on X, Trooper Kameron Watts said the wreck happened at about 3:25 p.m. and involved a motorcycle, a box truck and two other vehicles, according to The News Tribune. The Washington State Patrol confirmed the motorcyclist died at the scene, and investigators stayed on the highway to document what happened. Authorities had not released the rider’s name as of the initial report.
Traffic impacts
The state Department of Transportation labeled it “a serious crash” and urged drivers to stay away from the area if they could. “We expect this to be an extended closure. Traffic is being diverted at E Pioneer Ave,” the agency said in a post, according to The News Tribune. Eastbound travelers were warned to brace for major delays and to follow detour signs while crews worked to clear the wreckage and reopen the roadway.
SR 512 corridor background
State Route 512 is a key east–west connector in Pierce County, tying I-5 to SR 167 and carrying heavy commuter and freight traffic every day. WSDOT's SR 512 corridor study highlights recurring congestion on the route and notes average daily volumes around 110,000 vehicles in some stretches. The report lays out a mix of near-, mid- and long-term safety and operational fixes and is being used to chase funding for design and construction work aimed at cutting collisions and reducing the spillover backups on local streets when crashes shut the highway down.
Investigation and next steps
State troopers continued to investigate what led up to the crash Monday evening, and officials had not yet announced any contributing factors or potential charges. Authorities said they would release additional details, including the motorcyclist’s identity, once next-of-kin notifications are complete. This story will be updated as agencies provide more information.
