I-205 Chaos: Suspected Drunk Driver Slams Into Semi-Truck, Snarling Morning Commute

An early morning nightmare unfolded on Interstate 205 in East Portland Monday when a suspected drunk driver collided with a semi-truck, forcing the complete closure of northbound lanes and wreaking havoc on the pre-dawn commute.

Oregon State Police confirmed that the severe crash occurred around 2:15 a.m.

near Southeast Division Street. The devastating impact involved a passenger vehicle and a large semi-truck, leading to an immediate and critical response from emergency services.

Authorities quickly identified the driver of the passenger vehicle as the suspected culprit, leading to their arrest on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII).

Details regarding their condition were not immediately released, but the semi-truck driver fortunately reported no serious injuries, a small silver lining in a perilous situation.

The immediate aftermath saw all northbound lanes of I-205 grind to a halt at the crash site. Traffic was diverted off the freeway at Southeast Division Street, funneled through local streets, and then guided back onto the interstate, causing significant delays and frustration for essential workers and early risers.

Emergency crews worked tirelessly for hours at the scene, clearing the wreckage and ensuring the safety of the roadway.

The diligent efforts paid off, with all lanes finally reopening to traffic just before 5:30 a.m., alleviating the growing congestion as the morning rush hour began to peak. The Oregon State Police continue their investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.