Traffic on a key stretch of State Route 161 ground to a halt Thursday evening after a collision involving a school bus and a single passenger vehicle near Eustis‑Hunt Road, according to local first responders. The highway was blocked in both directions as emergency crews worked the scene, snarling the evening rush through Puyallup and Spanaway.
Officials: Driver Critical, No Reports Of Injured Children
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue retweeted a message from the Washington State Patrol's District 1 public information account reporting that the driver of the passenger vehicle was in critical condition and that both directions of SR‑161 near milepost 18 were closed while crews responded. The post also noted that officials were not hearing reports of injured children at the scene, according to Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
How This Could Affect Your Commute
Closures on SR‑161 often spill traffic onto nearby surface streets and major arterials, creating long backups during the evening drive. A wreck on nearby SR‑512 last month showed how a single crash can jam the Puyallup corridor for hours, according to Puyallup commute into chaos. Drivers in the area should brace for heavy delays and build extra time into their trip.
Where To Get Live Updates
State Route 161 is part of a busy commuter corridor where even short closures can have outsized impacts on local travel, according to a WSDOT corridor analysis. For live detours and traffic alerts, the WSDOT travel map provides real-time updates and suggested alternate routes, according to WSDOT. This report will be updated as troopers and fire officials release additional details about the crash and any injuries.
