A serious crash involving a school bus brought northbound Interstate 5 to a standstill near Marysville, Washington, on the morning of February 24, 2026.
Drivers faced major delays as emergency crews rushed to the scene. The incident highlighted the ongoing dangers of busy highways in Snohomish County.
🚨N5 near Dagmars (MP196) there is a 2 car serious injury collision blocking the left three lanes. Traffic is getting by in the right lane. No ETA for the roadway to fully reopen. Please be patient while troopers on scene conduct a thorough investigation. pic.twitter.com/Gfzo7kXhuY
— Trooper Kelsey Harding (@wspd7pio) February 24, 2026
The collision happened just before 7:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes, right at milepost 196, south of State Route 529 near Dagmars. A school bus slammed into a sedan, causing significant damage to both vehicles.
Responders from the Washington State Patrol, fire crews, and incident response teams arrived quickly to help those involved and manage the chaos.
At least one person suffered serious injuries in the wreck. The driver of the sedan was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett for treatment.
Fortunately, the school bus driver escaped unharmed, and there were no students on board at the time.
Initial reports mentioned major injuries, but details clarified that the injuries were serious but not life-threatening for others involved. Authorities have not released more information about the number of people hurt or their conditions.
The crash blocked the HOV lane and two left general purpose lanes, leading to backups that stretched about three miles.
The Washington State Department of Transportation warned drivers to find alternate routes or expect long delays. Trooper Kelsey Harding provided updates, noting that tow trucks were called to remove the damaged vehicles.
By around 9 a.m., the two right lanes reopened to traffic, easing some of the congestion. All lanes were fully cleared later in the morning, but the disruption affected commuters for hours.
What caused the accident remains unclear. The Washington State Patrol is investigating the incident, looking into factors like speed, weather, or possible distractions. No immediate details were available on the sequence of events leading to the collision.
This crash comes amid rising concerns about traffic safety in Snohomish County. The area sees a high number of injuries and fatalities from road accidents each year.
Between 2021 and 2023, traffic-related deaths averaged 44 annually, with a peak of 57 in 2022. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission points to state highways as hotspots, especially Routes 99, 92, 9, and 530.
These roads feature sharp curves, heavy traffic, and frequent semi-truck presence, which can lead to dangerous passing attempts and head-on risks.
Common contributing factors in these crashes include impaired driving, excessive speed, unsafe maneuvers, and driver distractions.
Officials urge motorists to stay vigilant, particularly in high-risk zones like I-5, where fast-moving traffic and changing conditions demand full attention.
As the investigation continues, this event serves as a reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn hazardous.
Drivers in the region should plan, obey speed limits, and avoid distractions to help prevent similar tragedies. For the latest updates, check with the Washington State Department of Transportation or local news sources.
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