[1]Semi overturns onto I-5 at Chehalis. / Courtesy photo by Washington State Patrol.
Updated at 9:32 a.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Southbound Interstate 5 at Chehalis is shut down while crews work to clean up debris and the wreckage of a semi truck this morning.
Trooper Will Finn states the driver is being airlifted.
Responders called to the scene at 6:30 a.m. beneath the West Street overpass found the semi truck laying on its side across the southbound lanes.
It appeared the northbound truck struck the guard rail and then came back onto the roadway and slammed through the center barrier, according to the Chehalis Fire Department.
There is lots of oil and diesel on the road, Firefighter Jay Birley said.
Finn said flying debris damaged two other vehicles, one of which sustained a shattered windshield.
There is no estimated time for reopening the highway, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Forty feet of center median jersey barrier needs to be replaced, according to WSDOT.
The scene is just north of the Main Street interchange.
Southbound traffic is being detoured onto Chamber of Commerce Way to Louisiana Avenue to state Route 6 returning to I-5, according to WSDOT. Drivers should expect long delays.
WSDOT advises motorists to use an alternate route or delay travel.