A fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-5 in Ferndale left one person dead Tuesday after a truck crossed the median. Lanes reopened around 9:15 p.m.
FERNDALE, Wash. — Washington State Patrol investigators released additional details this week in their investigation of a deadly multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 in Ferndale, renewing scrutiny of one of Washington’s most dangerous highway corridors.
The crash happened during the evening rush hour on southbound I-5 between the Smith Road and Main Street exits. A northbound pickup truck crossed the median and entered oncoming traffic, striking multiple vehicles.
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Authorities confirmed that Momina Khan, 22, of Blaine, who was driving a southbound Tesla Model 3, died at the scene. Her passenger, another 22-year-old woman from Blaine, suffered injuries and medics transported her to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.
According to the Washington State Patrol, a 27-year-old Blaine man drove the northbound Chevrolet Silverado involved in the crash. Investigators said the truck crossed the median and struck the Tesla head-on before coming to rest in the southbound lanes.
A third vehicle, a Hyundai Tucson, then struck the pickup. The Tucson carried three occupants: a 37-year-old man, a 20-year-old woman, and an 8-year-old child from Ferndale. Paramedics treated those occupants at the scene and released them.
Investigators confirmed that all occupants wore seat belts. The crash destroyed all three vehicles.
Troopers ruled out drugs and alcohol as contributing factors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not said whether speed, a medical emergency, or mechanical failure played a role. Troopers have not announced any charges.
Video evidence documents crash sequence
Surveillance video shows the Silverado traveling northbound before abruptly veering left. The truck crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes.
The footage captures the moment the pickup struck the Tesla. The impact caused catastrophic damage and sent the Tesla spinning across the roadway.
Investigators continue to review the video as part of the crash reconstruction.
Crash renews focus on dangerous I-5 corridor
The fatal crash occurred along the stretch of Interstate 5 between Lakeway Drive in Bellingham and Main Street in Ferndale. Safety analysts have repeatedly ranked this segment among the most dangerous highway corridors in Washington.
As PNW Daily previously reported, the corridor recorded more than 200 crashes in 2024 alone. That total averages nearly one crash per day. Between 2019 and 2023, the stretch saw nine fatal crashes that killed 10 people. Those figures placed it among the state’s 10 deadliest 10-mile road segments.
Traffic safety experts cite several recurring risk factors. Closely spaced interchanges limit reaction time. Ramp backups often spill into travel lanes. High-speed through traffic mixes with slower merging vehicles. Heavy commercial and cross-border traffic adds congestion.
Drivers frequently report sudden slowdowns near the Iowa Street, Portal Way, and Main Street ramps. Those conditions have contributed to repeated serious crashes.
Tuesday’s crash renewed questions about whether current infrastructure and traffic management adequately address the corridor’s volume and complexity.
Notable fatal crashes in recent years
Several fatal crashes along the Old Fairhaven Parkway–Main Street stretch of Interstate 5 have occurred in recent years. Many remain fresh in the memory of Whatcom County residents.
Traffic-related deaths documented since 2024 include:
January 2024 — Bellingham (Sunset Drive area): A fatal crash closed portions of I-5 near the Sunset Drive interchange.
August 2024 — Ferndale (Portal Way): A motorcyclist died after colliding with a vehicle entering southbound I-5 at the Portal Way interchange, according to investigators.
October 2024 — Bellingham (Northwest Avenue area): A 20-year-old motorcyclist died following a crash on northbound I-5.
January 2025 — Bellingham (Northwest Avenue area): A 24-year-old man died after a rollover and subsequent collision on southbound I-5. The crash caused extended lane closures and backups.
January 2026 — Ferndale (Main Street area): Khan died when a northbound pickup crossed the median and struck her vehicle head-on during rush hour.
These incidents account for at least five traffic-related deaths between 2024 and early 2026 along this section of Interstate 5. This total excludes non-traffic suicides.
When combined with earlier Washington State Patrol data, at least 15 people have died in traffic-related crashes on this corridor since 2019, based on state records and media-confirmed reporting.
Lanes reopened after extended closure
Southbound I-5 lanes remained closed for several hours while investigators documented the scene and crews cleared debris.
PNW Daily observed lanes reopen shortly after 9 p.m. Traffic remained heavy through central Ferndale as congestion slowly eased.
Investigation ongoing
The Washington State Patrol has not released a final collision report. Investigators expect to release additional findings as the investigation continues.
PNW Daily will continue to follow developments in this case and report on safety concerns along the I-5 corridor through Bellingham and Ferndale.
This article is part of a sponsored Crash Report series.
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