Key Point Summary – Accident Involving Radioactive Material

• DUI driver crashed into construction zone on SR 16 near Narrows Toll Plaza.
• Vehicle struck equipment containing radioactive core, triggering hazmat response.
• No injuries to construction workers, suspect hospitalized but unhurt.
• Eastbound SR 16 closed, traffic diverted causing major backups.
• Bomb squad and hazmat crews working to assess radioactive device.
• Device believed to be nuclear gauge used for asphalt density testing.
• Road expected to stay closed for hours as safety checks continue.

DUI Crash Sparks Radioactive Scare in Seattle

It was just before 1 a.m. when a suspected intoxicated driver veered off course and plowed into a construction site on State Route 16 eastbound in Gig Harbor, Washington. The vehicle smashed through several pieces of heavy equipment, including one containing a radioactive core. That collision sent shockwaves through the overnight construction crew and forced authorities to launch a full-scale hazmat operation.

Washington State Patrol says the crash happened near the Narrows Toll Plaza, a major commuter choke point. Within minutes, the site swarmed with first responders, firefighters, and bomb squad personnel. Officials quickly sealed off the eastbound lanes “out of an abundance of caution,” fearing possible radiation exposure.

Radioactive Device Identified as Nuclear Gauge

Troopers say the impacted equipment was a nuclear gauge — a device used to measure asphalt density and moisture levels during road construction. The US Environmental Protection Agency notes these devices contain a small amount of radioactive material but are safe when intact and used properly.

In this case, authorities needed to be sure nothing had leaked. “We have no active threat to the public,” Trooper John Dattilo told reporters. “But we are taking every precaution until testing is complete.”

Traffic Snarls Stretch for Miles

By sunrise, commuters faced gridlock. Traffic was diverted off SR 16 at Olympic Drive, then re-routed back at 24th Street. Westbound lanes remained open, but eastbound drivers sat in long lines under flashing detour signs.

Frustrated motorists took to social media to vent. “Stuck for over an hour because of one drunk driver,” one user posted on X, formerly Twitter. Another wrote, “Radiation in Gig Harbor? What is going on?!”

Public Reacts With Alarm and Anger

News of “radioactive material” in the crash triggered a mix of fear and outrage online. Some residents worried about contamination, while others blasted the suspect’s reckless actions. “We could have been dealing with a disaster,” one commenter said. Others demanded harsher penalties for DUI offenders.

City officials urged calm. The Gig Harbor Fire Department stressed that no construction workers were hurt, and radiation readings so far indicated no danger to surrounding neighborhoods.

Suspect in Custody, Facing DUI Charges

The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. State Patrol says the suspect was taken to a nearby hospital but did not suffer any serious injuries. Troopers have not confirmed whether additional charges will be filed.

Trooper Dattilo said the investigation will include a review of toxicology reports, crash scene evidence, and possible surveillance footage from the toll plaza area.

Nuclear Gauge Safety Under Scrutiny

While the EPA and industry experts insist nuclear gauges are safe under normal circumstances, the incident is raising fresh questions about security on construction sites. Critics argue that dangerous equipment, even with minimal radiation, should be better protected from unauthorized access or impact.

Hazmat crews in protective gear could be seen using specialized meters to check radiation levels around the damaged gauge. The scene remained active hours later, with emergency workers photographing debris and loading damaged machinery onto flatbed trucks.

When Will SR 16 Reopen?

Officials say the eastbound lanes will stay closed “for at least a little while longer” as crews finish measurements and secure the radioactive device. No timeline has been given for a full reopening.

For now, drivers are being told to avoid the area entirely if possible. Local businesses near the closure are already reporting lost morning traffic.

A Narrow Escape From Disaster

While authorities emphasize that no radioactive leak occurred, the situation underscores how quickly a routine DUI crash can escalate into a major public safety scare. In this case, luck — and a quick hazmat response — prevented a worst-case scenario.

Residents will be watching closely for the all-clear signal, and many say they’ll remember this traffic nightmare long after SR 16 reopens.