A deadly early morning crash on State Route 18 near the Interstate 5 interchange in Federal Way killed at least one person and shut down westbound lanes, tying up traffic before sunrise. Washington State Patrol troopers investigated at the scene while emergency crews rerouted drivers onto local streets so they could clear the wreckage.
What Happened
According to KIRO 7, the crash was reported around 1 a.m. Thursday and led to the closure of westbound SR 18 at the I-5 interchange while troopers and medics worked the scene. KIRO shared raw video of the aftermath and reported that Washington State Patrol troopers are leading the investigation.
How To Help
The Washington State Patrol is handling the investigation. The agency’s website lists public information officers and guidance for submitting tips, photos, or video related to collisions. Anyone with footage or information about the crash can review the department’s media contacts or reach out to their local detachment, according to the Washington State Patrol.
SR 18 Safety And Recent Work
WSDOT completed a major I-90 and SR 18 interchange project in 2025, which included a diverging diamond interchange and lane widenings to improve traffic flow and safety, according to WSDOT. Those changes are intended to cut down on backups, but the corridor still sees serious collisions, and drivers are urged to slow down and follow directions from troopers and road crews at crash scenes.
What Comes Next
KIRO 7’s report did not identify the victim or specify a cause of the crash. Troopers say the investigation is ongoing and that officials will release more details as they become available. This story will be updated when Washington State Patrol or other authorities provide additional information.
