Tacoma, WA (May 10, 2026) – A Texas man is facing DUI and vehicular assault charges following a wrong-way crash Sunday morning on Interstate 5 near Tacoma, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The crash occurred around 8 a.m. on May 10, on the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 just north of State Route 512. Investigators said a 24-year-old Texas man was driving north in the southbound lanes when he collided head-on with another vehicle carrying two occupants.
Emergency units responded to the scene and transported the injured victims to nearby hospitals. Authorities said the driver of the struck vehicle, a 48-year-old woman from Renton, was taken to Tacoma General Hospital. A 14-year-old passenger from Renton was transported to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma.
The wrong-way driver was also injured in the crash and taken to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for treatment.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those injured as they recover.
Why Wrong-Way Interstate Crashes Are Often Severe
Wrong-way crashes on interstate highways are among the most hazardous types of roadway collisions, as they often result in head-on impacts at high speeds. Drivers traveling in the correct direction often have little time to react when a vehicle suddenly appears in opposing lanes.
Investigators typically review entry points, roadway signage, and driver impairment when examining wrong-way crashes. DUI-related incidents can also involve delayed reaction times and confusion about lane direction. Because interstate traffic moves quickly, these crashes often cause serious injuries and require extensive emergency response efforts to assist victims and reopen travel lanes safely.
