Southbound Pacific Highway South in Kent turned into a crime scene late Saturday night after a fatal crash shut down traffic in the 23600 block shortly before 11 p.m. Emergency crews and investigators moved in, and drivers were urged to steer clear while police worked the scene.
According to KIRO 7, the Kent Police Department confirmed that all southbound lanes in the 23600 block were closed for a fatal traffic collision, with officers asking motorists to avoid the area during the investigation.
Crash-prone arterial
Pacific Highway South is a busy north–south arterial that carries local and regional traffic straight through Kent, and it has a history of serious crashes. The same stretch has seen tragedy before, including a hit-and-run in the 23600 block that left a woman seriously injured, as reported by the Kent Reporter.
Traffic impacts and response
Drivers in the area should be ready for delays or detours while police process the scene and clear the roadway. Several bus routes that rely on Pacific Highway South, including King County Metro's RapidRide A Line, could also see disruptions, according to King County Metro. At the time KIRO 7 reported, Kent Police had not released any additional information about the victim or what led up to the collision.
