Wrong-way driver sparks 5-car crash on I-405

BOTHELL - A car heading the wrong way down Interstate 405 early Saturday triggered a five-car collision near North 195th Street.

Washington State Patrol troopers said a 17-year-old driver was heading south in the northbound HOV lane at about 12:30 a.m. in a 1996 Toyota Corolla.

The driver crashed into a 1995 BMW, driven by 43-year-old Bothell woman, that was heading the right direction in the HOV lane. The impact pushed the BMW sideways across the lane.

Seconds later, the BMW was hit by three vehicles in succession - a 1990 Honda Accord, followed by a 1996 Lincoln Towncar, then a 2001 Audi A4.

When troopers and medics arrived on the scene, they found that the 43-year-old BMW driver had suffered serious injuries. She was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The 17-year-old who triggered the pileup was treated for his injuries at Evergreen Hospital, then booked into the King County Juvenile Detention Center.

Troopers said drugs or alcohol are believed to be a factor in the crash.

Also treated at Evergreen Hospital was the 69-year-old driver of the 1990 Honda Accord.

The drivers of the Lincoln and Audi were not hurt.

The Toyota Corolla, the BMW and the Honda Accord were all totalled.