Multiple-vehicle collision snarls traffic on Interstate 90 downtown

A semitractor-trailer carrying crushed cars crashed on Interstate 90 in downtown Spokane during the noon hour Wednesday, spilling junked vehicles along the freeway and causing a multiple-vehicle accident that jammed traffic for miles.

No one was seriously injured, although seven people were transported to hospitals for evaluation.

According to the Washington State Patrol, a vehicle unsafely changed lanes in front of a westbound semi near the Lincoln Street exit. When the semi swerved to avoid the collision, WSP said, it tipped, spilling a load of crushed vehicles into the eastbound lanes.

As a result, a collision involving three cars occurred. The vehicle that allegedly caused the semitruck to swerve had not been identified as of Wednesday night.

According to Heidi Martin, owner of Jim Martin Trucking, the driver of the semi, Tim D. Lockwood, was not cited for an infraction.

The truck also passed a Level I on-scene inspection, she said.

Crews with the Spokane Fire Department were called at about 12:30 p.m. for extrication.

Streets along the freeway, including Sunset Boulevard, were jammed for several hours, as drivers looked for alternative routes. Traffic was backed up beyond Sunset Hill on I-90.

“Sounds like a mess,” Trooper Jeff Sevigney said early on.

Crews succeeded in removing the wrecked vehicles, and the interstate was clear by midafternoon.

S-R reporters Ryan Collingwood and Nicholas Deshais contributed to this report.