UPDATE: Deadly crash north of 1st Avenue South Bridge

7:13 PM: If you’re heading off-peninsula and northbound soon, you’ll want to be aware of this: A major emergency response for a 3-car crash just north of the 1st Avenue South Bridge is sending everyone off the northbound bridge at Michigan. Here’s the “live” camera’s latest view from the bridge, looking south over the NB lanes:

Updates as we get them.

7:52 PM: This will likely be closed a while – it’s now a fatality investigation. SFD says a man died at the scene; a woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center, in critical condition.

9:29 PM: East Marginal is still closed both ways at the scene.

10:28 PM: Per scanner, they’re “releasing traffic control” at the scene, so the road should be reopening.

Alki resident September 13, 2020 (8:01 pm)

I’m so sorry.

Calires September 13, 2020 (8:19 pm)

I was right there this afternoon and there was nearly a crash because of cars trying to change lanes and slamming on their brakes. I have no idea why this crash happened, but I think most of us who are working from home aren’t driving as much as we used to and our reflexes aren’t what they used to be. Slow down and pay attention.

Seaview September 13, 2020 (9:58 pm)

Calires – I have to say that I feel like I’m learning to drive all over again after 46 years since I drive so infrequently.

Diane September 13, 2020 (8:54 pm)

Still closed as of 8:45pm

Horrific Scene September 13, 2020 (9:09 pm)

I drove thru this immediately after it had happened neither fire or medics were on scene yet it looked really bad definitely more than three cars though there were three severely impacted but at least five or six involved with one of them fleeing the scene before responders arrived.Condolences to the gentleman who didn’t make it.

WSB September 13, 2020 (9:23 pm)

Both SFD and SPD have reported this as a 3-car collision. Perhaps other vehicles stopped to help? Anyway, if you saw someone “flee the scene,” hope you have already called that in to police. – TR

Mj September 13, 2020 (10:49 pm)

This is sad.

With the WSB being closed the SPD and other Agencies need to review and minimize the closing of streets for investigations since limited options exist to get on and off the peninsula. What would be the traffic impact on a weekday evening commute time closure be?

Alki resident September 14, 2020 (1:47 am)

I’m sorry that a fatality might inconvenience you but an investigation is just that. There’s no time limit and I’d hope my loved ones who may be involved in something like this is worth getting the right measurements, pictures, statements and findings in order the prosecute the person who may have caused something like this.
- ExTexan September 14, 2020 (12:00 pm)
  
  I think everyone reacting to the comment about speeding up investigations aren’t really thinking about the bigger picture. Had the lower bridge been up and had this crash been blocking the North bound bridge way out of Northern West Seattle it would also be blocking emergency vehicles. It would also be in the way of, people dying inside of an ambulance, to get to care in a timely manner. The fewer access points and difficult traffic patterns can create danger and hazards themselves. It is super important to document the incident but I’m sure the investigators could benefit from technology upgrades. I’m less concerned about people getting to West Seattle but concerned about services potentially being forced South out of West Seattle making emergency response times dangerous.
Sf September 14, 2020 (6:35 am)

Excuse me officer, can we clear this investigation with some haste!? I understand a man died and the details will be important for society, future traffic management, prosecutions and more but you see I can’t be inconvenienced like this. Sitting in my dry, temperature controlled, entertainment playing drivable couch. It just will not stand.Plus I don’t want to miss Judge Judy and forgot to press record on my DVR.
Smh September 14, 2020 (7:55 am)

Wow !!! Really? What a selfish remark AH
KM September 14, 2020 (8:12 am)

Someone died, MJ.
rpo September 14, 2020 (8:50 am)

Someone died, so they must investigate. If it was your family member who perished, wouldn’t you want the police to determine if it was a homicide or not and determine fault?
Lagartija Nick September 14, 2020 (9:20 am)

Yes, let’s not investigate how SOMEONE DIED because old Mj here can’t be inconvenienced. How on earth can you be so wrong on every single topic you comment about? And you claim to be a “law and order” guy – except when it impacts you. Truly pathetic.
me September 14, 2020 (4:44 pm)

The man that lost his life was a member of my family. He was young, and leaves behind a 6 month old son. Please think before you worry about your commute.
- Okie man September 14, 2020 (8:44 pm)
  
  was he from Oklahoma
  - Allison September 17, 2020 (6:28 am)
    
    Yes he was from OK. He was also my brother.all these people so worried about how quickly roads open, how would you feel if it was someone you loved who died? My family is all devastated I hope nothing like that ever happens to any of you.
    - Okie man September 17, 2020 (3:23 pm)
      
      Allison im so sorry! I grew up with your brothers why have they not identified him in the news do you know?
    - zee September 18, 2020 (7:51 am)
      
      what is his name? condolences to him and the woman injured
TreeHouse September 14, 2020 (7:47 pm)

As Jort might say, this comment shows some serious car brain disease.
WS long time residence Robin Dalton September 16, 2020 (5:55 pm)

MJ what a narcissist! You are REALLY pathetic human being with no empathy for a tragic accident.are you a brain surgeon needing to rush to work to save others? If not you are really PATHETIC.remember what goes around comes around. Despicable! Shame on you…long time West seattle resident.

22blades September 14, 2020 (3:52 am)

There’s a whole lotta bad driving goin’ on & it’s at very high speeds. High speeds = less reaction times for everybody. Two flipped cars in the last 48 hours. I came out of PCC & we had to slam the brakes for a white SUV at high speed. It continued to tailgate, pass other cars & then run through a red light. It finally pulled over & a woman came out to get COFFEE in Olympic Coffee. People, that’s a 2 ton weapon in your hands…

Graciano September 14, 2020 (4:41 am)

Yes MJ it is all about you isn’t it?! never mind the ME that needs to get to the scene safely nor the family who lost a loved one in this circumstance…

ExTexan September 14, 2020 (11:53 am)

I drove by at 8:10ish last night. It looked like more than 3 cars to me as well but maybe people stayed to make statements. They had a lot of photography equipment running and 3 cars did look really bad. I want to understand what happened though because the entire top was sheered off a car that didn’t seem to have much else damage. Pretty important to understand when looking for car safety. Hope the female pulls through and sorry for the male and his family.

WSB September 14, 2020 (12:03 pm)

The photography equipment is what the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad uses as part of what it gathers during the hours it takes to process the scene. Regarding the top “sheared off” – that’s how the Fire Department extricates trapped people, by cutting into the vehicle.
- k September 15, 2020 (4:37 pm)
  
  “She” was taken to Harbor View and is a close friend to our family. She was in fact cut out of her vehicle and we are all praying for her and her children. She was on her way to work! Does anyone know what happened yet?

Heartless? September 14, 2020 (2:11 pm)

It’s all about speed. I had a car blow by me on that bridge the other day that must’ve been doing over 80.

waikikigirl September 14, 2020 (4:26 pm)

I work on 1st Ave So in the SODO area and while waiting to go into work I see cars scream by going at least 50 MPH+ and this is a 35MPH zone! SMH

Martie September 21, 2020 (9:13 am)

What a tragedy, This young man was such a good person. We have known him since he was way little. We don`t always have answers to why theses things happen but we have to have faith, love and compassion when they do. My heart is breaking, he leaves behind an infant son and a whole lot of family and friends who would give the world to have him back. IF someone caused this wreck and ran…. well I pray they are found and prosecuted.

Sorry, comment time is over.