A wrong-way driver was tragically killed early Tuesday morning, Feb. 18, 2025 in a head-on collision with a semi-truck on northbound SR 167, shutting down all lanes and causing major traffic delays near I-405, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
The fatal crash occurred at around 2:25 a.m. just south of the Renton Village shopping plaza, where first responders worked for several hours to clear debris from the roadway.
Tow trucks arrived on the scene approximately 15 minutes before 6 a.m., but traffic remained completely stopped as crews continued cleanup efforts.
All northbound lanes of SR 167 were blocked for 6 hours and 37 minutes.
Here’s a recap of the collision from WSP:
- Vehicle 1:
- Driving southbound in northbound lanes (wrong direction)
- Occupied Lane 1 of 4
- Vehicle 2:
- Driving northbound in Lane 1 of 4 (correct direction)
- Vehicle 1 struck Vehicle 2 in Lane 1
- Vehicle 1 came to rest in Lanes 3 and 4
- Vehicle 2 came to rest in Lane 1
Authorities have not yet released details about whether any other individuals were injured in the crash.
Traffic was diverted to South 43rd Street, and drivers were advised to find alternative routes.
Identity of the wrong-way driver will be released soon by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.
#ClosureAlert NB 167 is closed at 180th due to a fatal collision. Causing vehicle was wrong way SB in NB lanes and struck a semi. Causing driving unfortunately deceased. Use alternate routes.
— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) February 18, 2025
FINAL UPDATE (8:09AM) OPEN: The collision on NB SR 167 south of I-405 in Renton has cleared. All lanes are open.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 18, 2025
We thank everyone for their patience and the crews for getting the roadway open. Expect delays as traffic clears through the area. https://t.co/Zbu80RYRDb
