Drowsy driving cited in corn spill crash on I-5 ramp near Lakewood

A semi-truck crash on a southbound Interstate 5 exit ramp near Lakewood spilled ears of corn across the roadway early Thursday, blocking the ramp to North Thorne Lane Southwest, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

WSDOT reported the crash at 4:39 a.m. Washington State Patrol photos and a WSDOT camera showed a large amount of corn across the ramp, with troopers standing in the spilled load. Traffic headed to Joint Base Lewis-McChord was diverted to exits 120 and 119 until the scene could be cleared.

Trooper Kameron Watts said drowsy driving caused the crash. The semi driver was cited for second-degree negligent driving. No major injuries were reported.

Crashes involving commercial trucks can create sudden hazards for other drivers, even when the cargo itself is what ends up on the road. In injury cases, the first records matter: the crash report, photos, witness names, and any response by state patrol or transportation crews can help show how the scene changed and how long it remained blocked.

For people hurt in truck crashes, medical evaluation and prompt documentation can matter even when injuries seem minor at first. Pain, stiffness, or head symptoms sometimes appear later, and early records can help tie those symptoms to the collision.

If a commercial vehicle crash causes injury in Oregon, a claim may involve driver conduct, company records, and the condition of the truck and load. A Commercial Truck Accident Injury (opens in a new tab) page can help explain the kinds of evidence people often gather after a serious crash.

Sources

1. Corn-y semi crash spills ears across I-5 ramp near JBLM (opens in a new tab) - KATU, 2026-07-23