Tragic Wrong-Way Collision Claims Life on Interstate 5 Near Ferndale
A devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 near Ferndale, Washington, claimed the life of a young woman and left two others injured during Tuesday’s rush hour commute. The fatal collision occurred around 3:45 p.m. on January 20, 2026, when a driver traveling northbound crossed the median into southbound lanes king5.com, triggering a catastrophic chain reaction involving three vehicles.
According to the Washington State Patrol, a 27-year-old driver in a Chevrolet Silverado was traveling in the wrong direction when he crossed from the northbound lanes into southbound traffic. The pickup truck struck a white Tesla Model 3, causing severe damage and forcing the electric vehicle onto the highway shoulder. A Hyundai Tucson subsequently collided with the Silverado, completing the devastating sequence of events.
The Tesla’s driver, 22-year-old Momina Khan of Blaine, tragically died at the scene. Her passenger, also 22 years old, sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of the passenger’s injuries has not been disclosed by authorities. Meanwhile, a man, woman, and boy traveling in the Hyundai Tucson escaped without injuries king5.com, though the emotional trauma of witnessing such a violent crash will likely linger.
The collision had severe consequences for regional traffic flow. All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 were closed between Main Street and Slater Road Komo News, creating a massive bottleneck during the evening commute. The closure extended for over two miles, with emergency crews working diligently at the scene for several hours. Northbound traffic also slowed significantly as drivers attempted to navigate past the emergency response. The highway didn’t fully reopen until approximately 9:10 p.m., nearly five hours after the initial impact.
All three vehicles involved in the crash were completely destroyed, highlighting the tremendous force of the collisions. Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, local fire departments, and emergency medical services, worked together to manage the scene and assist the victims.
As of the latest reports, investigators have not disclosed what caused the Silverado driver to cross the median into oncoming traffic. Critical questions remain unanswered: Was impairment a factor? Did the driver experience a medical emergency? Was there a mechanical failure? The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate these crucial details, which will help determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers present on our highways, particularly when drivers operate vehicles in the wrong direction. Wrong-way crashes, though relatively rare, tend to be particularly deadly due to the high-speed, head-on nature of the collisions. As investigators work to piece together exactly what happened, the Blaine community mourns the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
