JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON — A semi-truck carrying corn overturned on an Interstate 5 exit ramp near Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Wednesday morning, spilling corn across the roadway and fully blocking the ramp.
The crash happened on the southbound I-5 exit ramp to Thorne Lane, Exit 123, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Corn Scattered Across Exit Ramp
Trooper Watts with WSP said the semi hit a ditch and overturned, blocking the ramp with the truck, debris, and corn on the cob scattered across the road.
“The roadway is completely blocked by the semi, debris, and there’s also corn on the cob scattered all over the roadway as well,” Watts said.
No serious injuries were reported.
Drowsy Driving Cited as Cause
WSP said the cause of the crash was drowsy driving.
Trooper Watts said the driver will be cited for negligent driving in the second degree.
All JBLM traffic from I-5 was being diverted to Exits 120 and 119 while crews worked to clear the scene.
Cleanup Expected to Take Hours
The Washington State Department of Transportation warned drivers that the ramp would remain closed for an extended period.
“It’s going to be a while before we’re able to reopen the SB I-5 exit ramp to Thorne Lane,” WSDOT said. “Take alt routes.”
At 8:45 a.m., WSDOT said crews were still working to clear the corn from the Thorne Lane exit. A tow truck was on scene, and repairs were expected to begin on a damaged attenuator and sign base.
WSDOT said the cleanup would take at least a couple of hours.
Officials also said the semi leaked oil and fuel, meaning the spilled corn would have to be taken to the dump.
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