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Federal Way, WA (February 16, 2026) – One person was killed and two others were injured on Sunday, February 15, in a five-vehicle crash. The incident took place at the intersection of Enchanted Parkway South and South 356th Street in Federal Way.
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 8:05 a.m. after receiving reports of a major collision involving multiple vehicles. According to investigators, a southbound motorist on Enchanted Parkway South was driving recklessly before striking a vehicle stopped at a traffic light.
Police said the force of the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire and pushed them into the intersection, where they hit a third vehicle. All three vehicles then continued moving forward and collided with two additional northbound vehicles.
One driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A second driver was transported to Harborview Medical Center with serious injuries. The driver suspected of causing the crash was taken to a local hospital with less severe injuries.
Authorities stated the suspected driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
The crash remains under investigation.
Key Details
- Location: Enchanted Pkwy S & S 356th St, Federal Way
- Reported: February 15 at 8:05 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Five vehicles
- Fatalities: One driver pronounced dead at the scene
- Injuries: One serious injury; suspected driver hospitalized
- Investigation: Suspected impairment; case ongoing
What We Know So Far
- A southbound vehicle allegedly struck a car stopped at a red light.
- The initial impact caused two vehicles to catch fire.
- The chain reaction pushed multiple vehicles into the intersection.
- The suspected driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The identity of the deceased driver.
- Whether additional charges may be filed.
- The full sequence of movements for all five vehicles.
Local Context
Intersections along Enchanted Pkwy S are part of a major north-south corridor through Federal Way, connecting residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and I-5 access points.
Transitional highway segments approaching signalized intersections can experience sudden slowdowns, and when reckless or impaired driving is involved, the risk of high-impact, multi-vehicle crashes increases significantly.
What to Do Next
- Remain at the scene and follow instructions from law enforcement officers.
- Keep a safe distance from traffic lanes if you are involved in or witness a crash.
- Take photos of vehicle damage and roadway conditions if it is safe to do so.
- Seek medical evaluation promptly if you experience pain or unusual symptoms.
FAQ
Q: Why can injuries appear hours after a serious crash?
A: Adrenaline can temporarily mask pain and symptoms. Some injuries, including internal trauma or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately noticeable and can worsen over time.
Q: What causes many multi-vehicle intersection crashes?
A: Multi-vehicle crashes often occur when one collision triggers a chain reaction. Speed, distraction, impairment, or failure to stop at traffic signals can contribute to these incidents.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: Investigators are still reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing vehicle data to determine the exact cause and sequence of events.
