*Written by Trooper Rick Johnson

King County:  At approximately 2:05am this morning, January 11, 2017, Sergeant Chong Yim of the Washington State Patrol (WSP), observed a vehicle traveling SB I-5 in the NB lanes south of Dearborn St.  The other troopers in the area were notified and an attempt was made to intercept the vehicle.

This wrong way vehicle continued SB I-5 in the NB lanes at approximately 2:07am and struck a Tri-Med ambulance that was traveling NB I-5 in the HOV lane just north of Michigan St.  The ambulance attempted to avoid the collision but was struck on the left side.

The driver of the wrong way vehicle suffered fatal injuries and passed away at the scene.  The two Tri-Med employees along with the patient they were transporting suffered minor injuries and were taken to Harborview Medical Center.

WSP investigators believe that the driver of the wrong way vehicle may have been impaired and are investigating further.

The Washington State Patrol would like to urge drivers to stay alert, look further ahead and always keep an escape route in mind in case you encounter a situation like this.  Most importantly, DRIVE SOBER!