TRAFFIC ALERT: 2 crashes on 35th SW

4:01 PM: If you’re going to be using 35th SW south of Morgan any time soon, heads up – there are two crashes, one at Morgan involving a vehicle that lost at least one wheel, and just now, a 5-vehicle crash blocking the northbound lane in the 7700 block of 35th (at or near Holden). We’re on our way to check.

4:14 PM: Above, the cars on NB 35th just south of Holden have moved to the side. No injuries, we’re told. Checking 35th/Morgan next.

4:24 PM: Above is the pickup that lost a wheel at 35th and Morgan. Police are there and a tow truck too, blocking the inside northbound lane of 35th. No injuries reported in either incident.

waikikigirl May 3, 2018 (4:27 pm)

How in the world???? 5 cars??? Glad I went and got my kitties their food on Monday from the Vet.

Brian May 3, 2018 (6:32 pm)

Five car pile-up on I-35!

Alki resident May 3, 2018 (4:51 pm)

I directed traffic for 15 minutes at the Morgan incident until a cop showed up and told me I wasn’t needed there. A thank you goes a long way. I also called 911 and was the witness directly behind the truck when the tire flew off. Not looking for acknowledgement just a better attitude.

Brenda May 3, 2018 (5:54 pm)

Awe sorry buddy- that was awesome of you to stay there.

Thank u !!

zephyr May 3, 2018 (5:45 pm)

Thank you Alki Resident for stepping up and helping out when needed. Many folks would just not want to get involved. Sorry that the officer couldn’t have shown a little appreciation. Politeness and civility are vital to a well-functioning society.

The King May 3, 2018 (9:06 pm)

Alki resident is a lot braver than me to stand out there and direct traffic. I will gladly assist with calling for help, put out some flares or triangles. But to stand there knowing there are so many people on their phones while driving just isn’t my thing. What is so important on their phones that is torturing them to not be able to put it down? There’s a lot of you out there….any insight?
- Alki resident May 3, 2018 (11:28 pm)
  
  I’m actually a female and it’s not my first rodeo directing traffic after an incident . I had plenty of distance between myself and the cars. Everyone was respectful and went around to one lane. Maybe I should invest in flares, never thought of it. I’ve just been the kind to jump in and respond to situations when they come up. But being a witness as well, I felt obligated to stay around but I guess it wasn’t needed.
  - The King May 4, 2018 (2:05 am)
    
    I’m not going to knock what you did at all, directing traffic and helping is a nice thing to do. That said, you are also assuming a huge liability if something should go wrong. The vehicles you are directing have no obligation to follow your instructions or may not know you are instructing them because they are on the phone. There is grey area in the Good Samaritan laws that make me think twice about helping these days.

chemist May 3, 2018 (6:40 pm)

That reminded me to check the 35th project site for that Before and After Phase1 report they had mentioned as late as February 2018. That report is still not posted to the new version of the site revised for Phase 2.

Dunno May 4, 2018 (7:31 am)

The 5 car was on 35th sw where it is a lane each direction. The real solution here is to make 35th sw a one way street Southbound and Delridge one way Northbound. Should cut down on all these wrecks and arguments. While we’re at it, why would the city or state get rid of the Battery street tunnel, when Transit and bikers coulde use it to get around gridlock?

West Seattle since 1979 May 4, 2018 (11:54 am)

It kind of sounded as if the cop not only didn’t thank Alkiresident, but was short with her as well, saying she wasn’t needed there, as if s/he (the cop) was telling Alkiresident that she shouldn’t have been helping or something. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it.

Anyway, thank you, @Alkiresident, for being a helpful and brave citizen! I would be too scared of getting hit to do what you did.

waikikigirl May 4, 2018 (1:46 pm)

And I’m thinking the police are/were afraid of the latter as you stated WS 1979. I think unless you are a Doctor off duty medic or Fire Dept… then you should just call 911 to report accident and cautiously drive by.

It sounded like a bunch of day dreamers not paying attention and it was nice of Alki resident to try and help though!

Alki resident May 4, 2018 (2:11 pm)

Both occupants of the truck were out on the street trying to get the tire back on. Hazards lights may have been way too late had I not directed traffic. It it what it is. Citizens direct traffic every day when stuff like this happens. I was happy not to have to stay to do a witness report. Had I not stopped to protect a body in the freeway on 599 in October, he would’ve been hit multiple times. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
KM May 4, 2018 (8:29 pm)

Problem with that is, official help often doesn’t come. Many have had that experience.

We’re lucky to have neighbors who help others and don’t wait for someone else to, or hope for the best, or avoid helping because they could get sued. I wish there were more out there!

Alki resident May 4, 2018 (2:05 pm)

My post clearly stated I wasn’t looking for acknowledgment but thanks for jumping to conclusions.

waikikigirl May 4, 2018 (4:57 pm)

@Alki resident, OH you were at the tire lose not the 5 car pile up and now you tell us you were at the 599 accident…UGH that’s terrible for you but not for the person in the roadway!

You are Guardian Angel and don’t even know it!!!

Alki resident May 4, 2018 (6:10 pm)

Yes, I have some trauma from the October accident. His sister flew out to seattle from Arizona two months later to meet me and show her the accident scene where he wrecked his motorcycle. I’d do it again but hoping not too.

waikikigirl May 4, 2018 (6:59 pm)

:>( I’m sorry for the trauma you are feeling from the experiance on 599, but as I said, you are a Guardian Angel and only good will follow you and hope your happiness returns to you quickly!

Alki resident May 4, 2018 (8:28 pm)

Thank you, that means a lot. His sister gave me an angel gift and I treasure it. I don’t take anything lightly but it’s become pretty obvious to my family that I’ve been meant to be at these incidents. Hopefully no more for awhile as I’m still recovering from the October fatality.

Sorry, comment time is over.