A Whatcom County Fire District 7 engine blocks traffic as a sedan sits in the median on southbound I-5 near Portal Way in Ferndale after Thursday morning’s collision. (Photo: PNW Daily)
By BRIAN HENDERSON · October 29, 2026 · PNW Daily
FERNDALE, Wash. — A collision disrupted the Thursday morning commute on southbound Interstate 5 near Portal Way. Emergency responders worked in steady rain to clear a collision just north of the Nooksack River bridge.
Whatcom County Fire District 7 crews work the scene of a collision on southbound I-5 near Portal Way in Ferndale as a tow truck arrives. (Photo: PNW Daily)
PNW Daily was on scene as Whatcom County Fire District 7 crews directed traffic. They positioned a large white fire engine to shield WSP troopers and those involved while responders awaited tow crews.
This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.
The collision occurred on the southbound I-5 overpass above Portal Way, just beyond the on-ramp from Ferndale. The vehicle ended up in the median before the bridge over the Nooksack River.
Emergency vehicles line the southbound I-5 overpass above Portal Way during the response Thursday morning. (Photo: PNW Daily)
The Washington State Department of Transportation reported the collision at 9:03 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, near milepost 264. At 9:13 a.m., WSDOT confirmed one lane was blocked and said emergency responders were on scene. The agency warned drivers to expect delays.
Firefighters work behind a fire engine as traffic slows past the collision scene on southbound I-5. (Photo: PNW Daily)
Tow crews arrived and pulled the vehicle from the median.
A fire engine shields responders while a tow truck works near the vehicle in the median before the Nooksack River bridge. (Photo: PNW Daily)
At 9:50 a.m., WSDOT reported the collision cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on southbound I-5 near Portal Way?
A collision on the southbound I-5 overpass above Portal Way sent a vehicle into the median just north of the Nooksack River bridge. WSDOT reported it at 9:03 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
How many vehicles were involved?
WSDOT and WSP did not specify, but PNW Daily video reveals one vehicle in the median. It is unclear how the crash occurred.
Who responded to the collision?
Whatcom County Fire District 7 crews directed traffic and shielded Washington State Patrol troopers with a fire engine. Tow crews then pulled the vehicle from the median.
Were you injured in a crash in Ferndale?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a collision in Whatcom County, contact CrashLaw.NET — Ziad Youssef, (360) 255-5046.
PNW Daily brings you this Crash Report as part of the ongoing series sponsored by CrashLaw.NET. If you’ve been seriously injured, give Ziad Youssef and the team a call today at (360) 255-5046.
