Fife, WA – Multi-Vehicle Pileup on I-5/Emerald St. Sends One to Hospital

Fife, WA (January 19, 2026) – A multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 5 near Emerald Street disrupted traffic on Monday, January 19, and left at least one person injured, according to the Washington State Patrol. The crash occurred around 5:00 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-5 after roadway debris caused several drivers to lose control.

Trooper Kameron Watts reported that the initial impact quickly escalated, resulting in a chain-reaction pileup involving up to 21 vehicles. Several motorists were forced to pull onto the shoulder after suffering flat tires and vehicle damage. State troopers and Washington State Patrol units arrived to secure the scene and assess injuries among the involved drivers and passengers.

One person was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, while others were examined on site and declined additional treatment. No life-threatening injuries were reported at the time of the incident.

Authorities continue to investigate how the debris entered the roadway and whether additional contributing factors played a role in the crash. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we hope the injured motorist experiences a smooth recovery.

If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident on Interstate 5, you may want to speak with an attorney to understand your legal options better. Contact (888) 511-4558 to reach our I-5 car accident lawyer for more information about your options moving forward.