Rear‑End Impact Initiates Multi‑Vehicle Collision on Eastbound SR 512 Washington State Patrol trooper’s patrol car was stopped in traffic on eastbound Route 512 near Canyon Road East when another driver rear‑ended it, setting off a chain reaction that involved three additional vehicles and created a four‑vehicle crash [1]. The initial impact caused the trooper’s vehicle to strike other cars, expanding the incident from a single rear‑end to a multi‑car pileup [1]. Emergency responders arrived quickly to secure the scene and begin clearing the wreckage [1].

Trooper Kameron Watts Sustains Non‑Life‑Threatening Injuries Trooper Kameron Watts, the officer in the patrol car, was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non‑life‑threatening [1]. No other occupants of the involved vehicles reported injuries, and medical personnel confirmed the trooper’s condition remained stable [1]. The trooper posted an update on X the night of the crash, confirming his hospitalization and the ongoing investigation [1].

Four Vehicles Block Entire Eastbound Lanes, Prompting Closure The collision completely blocked all eastbound lanes of SR 512, forcing authorities to close the highway and divert traffic [1]. Drivers were warned of significant delays and advised to seek alternate routes while crews worked to remove the vehicles and restore flow [1]. The lane closure remained in effect throughout the night as investigators and cleanup teams continued their work [1].

Investigators Attribute Crash to Tailgating, Launch Probe State Patrol officials identified tailgating—the practice of following too closely—as the primary cause of the rear‑end impact [1]. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office joined the investigation, collecting evidence and statements from witnesses [1]. Authorities emphasized that reckless following distances will be a focus of future enforcement efforts on the corridor [1].

Traffic Management and Public Advisories Continue Amid Cleanup The Washington State Department of Transportation issued ongoing advisories, urging motorists to monitor real‑time traffic updates and consider detours [1]. Cleanup crews expected to keep the roadway closed for several additional hours until all debris and damaged vehicles were cleared [1]. Officials reiterated that safety investigations would proceed before fully reopening the highway [1].