THURSTON COUNTY, WA – A devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 early Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of three people and shut down the roadway for several hours.

The fatal collision occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. near milepost 91. According to investigators, a silver 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-5 in lane two when it struck a black 2018 Nissan Sentra head-on. The impact caused the Nissan to come to a stop between lanes two and three. Moments later, a red 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, also traveling northbound, collided with the wreckage of the Nissan before coming to rest on the left shoulder.

Emergency responders arrived to find the driver of the Chevrolet Equinox, as well as the driver and a passenger in the Nissan Sentra, deceased at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released pending family notification. Authorities confirmed that all three victims had been wearing seatbelts. The driver of the Chevrolet Camaro, identified as 21-year-old Whitney A. Nguyen of University Place, WA, was not injured in the crash.

All three vehicles sustained significant damage and were declared totaled. JJS Tow was responsible for removing the vehicles from the scene.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and it is unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role. The crash led to a full road closure for five hours as authorities conducted their investigation and cleared the scene.

Officials urge drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspected wrong-way drivers immediately. Further details will be released as the investigation continues.