Marines are investigating a live-fire blast that occurred over California's I-5 freeway during a rehearsal for a demonstration attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, involving artillery rounds launched over the highway.
During a U.S. military live-fire exercise over Interstate 5 in California, shrapnel from a prematurely detonated explosive struck a CHP vehicle and motorcycle, causing minor damage but no injuries. The incident occurred during a celebration at Camp Pendleton, leading to criticism from Governor Gavin Newsom over safety and coordination issues. The military halted further firing after the mishap, which raised concerns about safety protocols during live-fire demonstrations over active roadways.
All southbound lanes on Interstate 5 in Portland will be closed for emergency repairs due to a failed bridge joint, diverting traffic to Interstate 405 and the Fremont Bridge. The joint, located on a stretch of the freeway over Greeley Boulevard, has caused concrete to crack and drop onto the ground, creating a large pothole. The closure is expected to last until midnight for repairs by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
A Washington State Patrol trooper was struck and killed by a motorist on southbound I-5 near Marysville, leading to the closure of the affected lanes for several hours. The agency expressed condolences for the fallen trooper and urged motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. The state patrol chief planned to hold a press conference to address the incident, which is still under investigation.
Drivers were stuck for hours on Interstate 5 south of Eugene due to winter weather causing icy conditions, leading to crashes and traffic blockages. The Oregon Department of Transportation required chains on sections of the highway, but many vehicles without chains spun out, exacerbating the gridlock. The severity of the storm hampered driving conditions, and an increased number of commercial vehicles not using chains contributed to the situation. Oregon State Police have begun issuing citations for drivers not using chains in required areas, and officials urged people to stay off the roads due to expected icy conditions.
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a driver on southbound I-5 near the Moda Center in Portland. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. As a result of the incident, all traffic on southbound I-5 was diverted to the Fremont Bridge.
A deadly crash involving a motorcyclist on the Marquam Bridge in Portland has resulted in the closure of southbound I-5. The crash occurred on the lower deck of the bridge, and despite efforts to save the motorcyclist's life, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The preliminary investigation suggests that no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The Portland Police Bureau is urging witnesses to come forward with any information. The closure is expected to last until 2 p.m.
A semi-truck hauling metal pipes crashed and lost its load on northbound lanes of I-5 south of Bakersfield, causing a traffic backup of nearly 30 miles. The truck spilled thousands of one-inch metal pipes onto the road, and cleanup crews are on the scene. No injuries have been reported.
The Oregon Department of Transportation warns of heavy traffic on Interstate 5 and surrounding highways in the Willamette Valley due to home football games and Veterans Day events. Travelers are advised to plan extra travel time and check TripCheck for traffic updates.
A suspect, who was being pursued by Oregon State Police for reckless driving, crashed on I-5 near Woodburn and then ran across northbound lanes. The suspect was hit by a vehicle and is critically injured. The incident caused the closure of I-5 northbound for about two hours.
A suspected reckless driver crashed into a barrier multiple times on I-5 southbound before fleeing on foot into the northbound lanes. The suspect was struck by a vehicle and suffered a critical injury. I-5 northbound has since reopened.
Two drivers were killed in a wrong way crash on I-5 in Clark County, Washington. The collision occurred when a car traveling south in the northbound lanes collided head-on with a car going north. The identities of the drivers have not been released, and the incident is currently under investigation.
Caltrans has begun a $39 million project to improve safety and alleviate congestion on Interstate 5 between Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and the Highway 50 interchange. The project will include the construction of auxiliary lanes, ramp meters, and upgrades to intelligent transportation systems. With the area experiencing development and airport expansion, the project aims to enhance traffic flow and safety. The stretch of I-5 currently sees 175,000 vehicles and 21,000 trucks daily, and the project is expected to support economic development in the region.
A 52-year-old California man, Lincoln Clayton Smith, has been charged with DUII, reckless driving, seven counts of second-degree manslaughter, and three counts of third-degree assault after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near Albany, Oregon, that killed seven people and injured four others. Smith was driving a semi-truck with a canvas-sided livestock trailer when it left the roadway and struck a Ford passenger van carrying 11 people, killing six people at the scene and another person later. Smith has a record of 17 arrests and nine past convictions and was found with methamphetamines in his system. He was ordered to be held without bail.