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A major collision at Northeast 145th Street closed both northbound and southbound lanes on Interstate 5 Thursday afternoon. (WSDOT photo)

UPDATE 5:25: All lanes on both the northbound and southbound sides of I-5 have been reopened. But WSDOT’s traffic Twitter account says there are still miles-long backups on both sides.

According to Washington State Patrol’s preliminary accident investigation, the collision began when a white vehicle hit a tan vehicle on the left part of the northbound side. The tan vehicle hit a motorcylist, who was ejected.

The motorcyclist then landed in a southbound lane about 5 to 10 yards from the collision. When medics arrived, he was conscious, but screaming from his injuries. Trooper Julie Judson said the motorcyclist’s leg was severely injured.

EARLIER POST

A major collision and stalled trucks have backed up traffic as much as 10 miles on Interstate 5 this afternoon.

The most recent blockage was caused by a severe collision involving a motorcyclist and two cars near Northeast 145th Street. Two southbound and three northbound lanes have been closed, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Medics have taken one person in critical condition to Harborview Medical Center, according to the Seattle Fire Department. Two others in the accident suffered minor injures.

As of 5 p.m. there was a 4.5 mile backup on the northbound side of I-5, according to WSDOT. At around 5:15, all northbound lanes were closed to remove one vehicle involved in the accident.

Before that accident WSDOT had already tweeted out, “Remember when I said “Ew” 3 times? I want to say it 100 times now! BACKUP now 10 (YES 10!) miles SB I-5.”

Those southbound stalls were caused by a truck near James Street around 3 p.m. and a semi-truck stopped near Mercer Street. Crews have started towing away the semi near Mercer.