**Massive Vehicle Pile-Up Shuts Down Southbound I-5 in Kent**

A major traffic incident involving over 30 vehicles occurred on southbound Interstate 5 in Kent, resulting in a complete shutdown of all southbound lanes, according to authorities. This significant collision took place just south of Highway 516 around 2 p.m.

The incident created a substantial traffic jam, with vehicles backed up for around five miles by 3 p.m. as tow trucks arrived to clear the scene. To manage the congestion, the Washington State Department of Transportation directed drivers to use the Highway 516 off-ramp as an alternative route.

Efforts to clear the affected lanes and manage the backed-up traffic were ongoing, with officials working to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible.