Reports of Car Doing Donuts Just Before Fiery Scene on I-5

TUMWATER, Wash. — An abandoned car caught fire along southbound Interstate 5 in Tumwater on Thursday after witnesses reportedly saw the driver doing donuts on the highway.

“The vehicle was abandoned when troopers arrived and we had reports of this car doing donuts on the highway prior to this happening,” Washington State Patrol Trooper Kameron Watts said.

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Burning Car Sends Smoke Across Tumwater

The car became fully engulfed on the right shoulder near Trosper Avenue. Thick smoke affected traffic on I-5 and nearby city streets as firefighters responded.

Initially, authorities blocked the right lane. However, crews later closed the two right lanes while the Olympia Fire Department extinguished the flames.

Troopers found the vehicle abandoned when they reached the scene. Watts did not immediately say whether investigators had identified the driver or what caused the fire.

Southbound I-5 Reopens

Firefighters extinguished the blaze before it could spread farther from the shoulder.

The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Tacoma-area office later reported that the collision scene had cleared and all lanes had reopened.

No injuries were immediately reported.

“The vehicle was abandoned when Troopers arrived and we had reports of this car doing donuts on the highway prior to this happening.”

– Trooper Kameron Watts, Washington State Patrol

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