A 32-year-old Federal Way man faces multiple charges, including DUI, vehicular homicide and vehicular assault, following a fatal crash early Sunday morning, Dec. 8, 2024 on the SR 516 HOV bypass near Kent, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
The incident occurred at approximately 5 a.m. when a 2012 Nissan Altima, driven by Francisco Garcia Barragan, veered off the left side of the road, struck a concrete barrier, and then crossed to the right side, hitting another barrier. The car rolled over and came to rest upside down, facing the wrong direction in the HOV lane.
A second vehicle, a 2023 Toyota Tundra, then struck the overturned Altima.
One passenger in the Altima, whose identity is pending, was pronounced dead at the scene. WSP said the deceased was not wearing a seatbelt.
Garcia Barragan was transported to Harborview Medical Center with injuries and is suspected of driving under the influence.
The driver of the Tundra and a passenger from Kent were also injured and transported to Harborview Medical Center and Valley Medical Center, respectively. Both were wearing seatbelts.
The crash caused a nearly 5-hour closure of the HOV bypass lane as crews worked to clear the scene.
Drugs or alcohol are believed to have been factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Cleared: The collisions blocking NB I-5 near SR 516 in Kent has cleared. The HOV lane has reopened. https://t.co/fuot6rl6un
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) December 8, 2024
