Tacoma, WA (March 3, 2026) – Two people were taken to the hospital on Tuesday afternoon, March 3, after a three-car crash at East 72nd Street and McKinley Avenue. Emergency units were dispatched to the intersection at approximately 3:07 p.m.
Officials said one of the vehicles struck a utility pole during the collision. The pole remained standing after the impact. One person was transported to a hospital, though the severity of their injuries was not immediately available. A second person was later taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
No additional details about the drivers or circumstances of the crash have been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they recover.
Why Utility Pole Crashes Can Increase Injury Risk
When a vehicle strikes a fixed object like a utility pole, the force of impact is concentrated in a small area. This can increase the risk of injury compared to some other types of collisions.
Intersections are common sites for multi-vehicle crashes. Turning movements, signal timing, and traffic flow can all contribute to collisions involving several cars.
Even when a pole remains standing, the structural damage to a vehicle can be significant. Emergency crews often assess both the roadway and nearby infrastructure before clearing the scene.
