Crash, large RV fire closes eastbound I-90 in the Mount Baker Tunnel

SEATTLE — A crash and large RV fire closed all eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 in Seattle’s Mount Baker Tunnel Monday afternoon.

The Washington State Department of Transportation first posted about the crash and fire around 12:30 p.m. Monday. Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson said another car was involved in a crash with the RV before the RV caught fire.

Photos and video from WSDOT cameras in the area show the RV engulfed in flames while high-centered on a barrier inside the tunnel. Large plumes of black smoke could also be seen coming from the ends of the tunnel. Firefighters quickly responded to the scene and were able to get the fire under control by 12:50 p.m.

The WSDOT said all eastbound lanes of I-90 were closed near Rainier Avenue South in Seattle. The north and southbound I-5 and Fourth Avenue ramps to eastbound I-90 are also closed.

The department posted on X around 12:40 p.m. stating the crash and fire debris “might take a while to clear.”

As of 2:15 p.m., there was no estimated time when the eastbound lanes will reopen. The WSDOT said crews need to clean up and perform inspections before the tunnel can reopen to traffic.

WSDOT crews were seen working to remove the RV from the tunnel around 1:30 p.m. Johnson posted a photo of the RV being towed away from the scene at 1:45 p.m.

Drivers in the area should plan for delays and use alternate routes.

Johnson said no injuries had been reported at this time.

The WSDOT said in a travel advisory Monday afternoon that a flammable cargo restriction was in place for both directions of the Mount Baker and Mercer island Lid tunnels until further notice.

Click here for the latest information on the WSDOT website.