Multiple crashes on Interstate 5 Thursday afternoon between Woodland and La Center had the freeway backed up for miles.
Trooper Will Finn, a Washington State Patrol spokesman, said one J.L. Storedahl & Sons tractor-trailer rear-ended another on Interstate 5 between La Center and Woodland around 4:30 p.m.
The crash also spilled sand from one of the trailers onto the road, blocking the highway, Finn said.
The State Patrol said one of the dump truck-dump trailer combos rear-ended another when the first slowed down for traffic ahead.
Both drivers — Douglas Clough, 38, of Vader, and Steven Stover, 52, of Castle Rock — were hurt and hospitalized as a precaution, according to the State Patrol.
Then, Finn said, things got worse.
“During this incident, we had an additional three-vehicle crash that occurred in the backup, and then another two-vehicle crash that occurred in the backup,” Finn said.
No one was hurt in those crashes, Finn said, but the resulting investigation and cleanup had the roadway backed up for nearly 4 miles.
Finn said all lanes were clear by about 6:15 p.m., but it would take time for traffic to clear.
“We’re three lanes deep and barely moving,” he said around 6:15 p.m.
Stover was cited for speeding, according to the State Patrol.
