Multiple semis crash on I-5 southbound north of WoodlandFree

Multiple tractor-trailer rigs were involved in a crash Tuesday afternoon on southbound Interstate 5, north of Woodland — blocking lanes and snarling traffic.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reported the collision was at Milepost 23 near Dike Road at about 1:36 p.m.

All lanes of southbound I-5 were blocked by the crash debris and for the investigation.

“Multiple semi trucks down embankment. A loaded trailer has become detached and floating in river, one truck on fire,” Washington State Patrol Trooper Will Finn said on Twitter. Finn said one semi was empty and the one in the Columbia River was loaded with metal shelving.

He later said on Twitter that two tractor-trailers and three passenger vehicles were involved, and one driver suffered a broken finger.

Traffic was backed up to just south of Longview as the Tuesday afternoon commute began.

At about 4:30 p.m., Finn said the right lane remained blocked, though crews were working to extinguish the burning truck and clear the roadway.

Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, Cowlitz County Fire District 5, along with WSDOT and the State Patrol responded to the crash.