A wrong-way crash on SR 18 just east of Auburn/Black Diamond early Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 left two drivers injured and blocked the roadway for more than four hours, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
The collision was reported at about 1:27 a.m. Jan. 17 on SR 18 near milepost 6.4 in King County, WSP said.
Investigators listed DUI as the cause and said drugs or alcohol were involved.
Troopers reported two vehicles were involved and both drivers were injured, with one evaluated at the scene and the other transported to Harborview Medical Center.
The roadway was blocked for 4 hours and 35 minutes, the patrol said.
One driver is facing a vehicular assault charge, according to WSP.
The patrol listed one driver as not wearing a seat belt and the other as wearing a seat belt.
Both vehicles were totaled, the patrol reported.
How the crash happened:
- Vehicle #1 was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of SR 18 in lane 2 of 2.
- Vehicle #2 was traveling westbound in the westbound lanes in lane 1 of 2.
- Vehicle #1 struck the westbound vehicle.
- Both vehicles came to rest in opposite lanes, and the roadway was blocked for 4 hours and 35 minutes.
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