Shortly before the collision, a trooper tried to pull over a suspect but the suspect failed to stop and fled the area. The suspect vehicle then hit another car at the intersection and burst into flames
Tacoma, WA – One person has died after a suspect fleeing from a Washington State Patrol trooper crashed with another car at an intersection in Tacoma on Wednesday.
The wreck happened at the intersection of East 72nd Street and McKinley Avenue on December 30.
Shortly before the collision, a trooper tried to pull over a suspect but the suspect failed to stop and fled the area. The suspect vehicle then hit another car at the intersection and burst into flames.
The WSP troopers helped the suspect out of their vehicle while the second driver was extricated by firefighters.
The second driver was transported to a hospital with major injuries. On January 2, authorities reported that the driver had succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. The victim's identity was not immediately released.
The suspect was also taken to a hospital and was expected to face charges once they were medically cleared.
The Washington State Patrol is investigating the accident.
Traffic-related accidents result in multiple injuries and deaths in Pierce County each year. Fatalities in the county have remained a serious concern, averaging 91 fatalities annually between 2021 and 2023. The situation worsened as it reached its highest point in 2023, when 95 lives were lost due to traffic collisions. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that a large share of these fatal crashes occurred on state highways, with Interstate 5 ranking among the most dangerous roadways in the county.
These routes are particularly hazardous due to a combination of sharp curves and heavy traffic flow, including frequent semi-truck activity. Such conditions often lead to risky passing maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of vehicles veering into oncoming lanes. In addition to roadway design and traffic volume, contributing factors commonly include impaired driving, excessive speed, unsafe passing, and driver distraction. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay alert, especially when traveling through high-risk areas like I-5, to reduce the chances of being involved in a devastating crash.
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