Three people were hospitalized Friday afternoon following a four‑vehicle collision on Interstate 5 near La Center, according to details reported by The Columbian. Washington State Patrol attributed the crash to speeding. Southbound traffic was disrupted for several miles, affecting drivers traveling between Clark and Cowlitz counties at the start of the weekend commute.

The crash occurred on February 14, 2026, on a heavily traveled stretch of I‑5 that serves as the primary connector between Longview–Kelso and Vancouver. While the incident took place just south of the Cowlitz County line, the resulting congestion extended northward, delaying residents returning from work, medical appointments, and school activities in the Vancouver area.

According to the initial reporting, three individuals were transported to a hospital for treatment. Their conditions and identities had not been publicly released as of Saturday, and no additional contributing factors beyond speeding had been confirmed by authorities.

Traffic slowdowns on this corridor can create secondary delays at exits serving Woodland and the northbound approach to the Lewis River, areas frequently used by Cowlitz County residents for daily travel. The extent of Friday’s backup underscores how crashes south of the county line can quickly affect regional mobility.

Why this matters

I‑5 is a central artery for emergency services, freight, school district travel, and cross‑county commuting. Even a single collision can ripple across jurisdictions, affecting response times, business operations, and personal schedules. Friday’s crash is another reminder of the vulnerability of this corridor to speed‑related incidents, an issue frequently cited by law enforcement agencies across southwest Washington.

This remains a developing situation as officials continue to review what led to the crash and assess any broader safety implications for the interstate segment connecting Clark and Cowlitz counties.

Sources

The Columbian: Speeding leads to four-car crash on Interstate 5 near La Center