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45-car pileup on southbound I-5 closes freeway for hours in Kent

Up to 45 cars were involved in a multi-car crash around 1:20 p.m., forcing the closure of southbound I-5 in Kent.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) closed all southbound lanes to allow first responders and tow trucks to reach the crash site.

Trooper Rick Johnson with WSP said that there were only minor injuries.

Traffic was being diverted to SR 516 until all the cars could be taken off the road.

Several first responders and agencies answered the call including officials with the Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation, local fire and paramedics.

The backup reached 5 miles, officials with WSP and WSDOT said.

The road was reopened at 4:15 p.m. but it is taking some time to clear the backup.

During the closure, people were told to plan for added travel time and seek alternative routes.

Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT mobile app and the Travel Center Map, or by signing up for email updates.

WSP is investigating the cause as a single crash.