AUBURN, Wash. — A fatal three-car crash occurred on southbound State Route 167 at State Route 18 early Friday morning, closing all lanes.
The collision took place around 1:40 a.m. and involved a Tesla, a Toyota Tacoma, and a Toyota Scion. Southbound traffic was fully reopened shortly before 7 a.m.
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the crash began when the driver of a Toyota Scion lost control, collided with the left barrier, and came to a stop on the roadway.
Authorities initially believed the Scion driver was ejected, but later stated he likely exited the vehicle before being struck by a Tesla driven by a 44-year-old man from Roy.
The driver of the Scion, a 33-year-old man from Tacoma, was found between the second and third lanes and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Tesla driver was taken into custody for investigation of vehicular homicide, DUI, and hit-and-run. The Tacoma driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation; impairment was not suspected.
The crash led to lane closures lasting more than five hours as emergency responders worked at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.