A tragic car crash claimed the lives of six individuals and left three others injured on Sunday, south of Seattle, according to Washington state police. The fatal accident took place at the crossroads of Washington State Route 509 and Alexander Avenue in Tacoma.

The crash involved two vehicles: a gray 2021 Kia Forte and a white BMW SUV. The Kia, designed to carry five passengers, was overloaded with seven occupants at the time of the accident. The Seattle Times reported that the Kia was heading south while the BMW was traveling in the opposite direction on the highway. The specifics of the collision, including which vehicle was at fault, remain unclear as one car T-boned the other.

Following the initial impact, the Kia, burdened with excess passengers, burst into flames. The identities of the victims and the exact causes of their deaths have not been disclosed by the authorities. State trooper John Dattilo, who is involved in the investigation, was unable to confirm any specific violation that could have led to the accident. He indicated that the investigation might take some time.

Dattilo also mentioned that investigators would be able to review surveillance footage of the crash. Washington 509, a secondary highway that connects Seattle and Tacoma, runs along the coast for a significant portion of its length in the urban area. The northbound lanes of the highway were closed for five hours on Sunday as authorities worked to investigate and clear the wreckage.

The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to vehicle capacity limits and exercising caution while on the road. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of six lives and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured.