Two cars crashed head on at Military Road South and Spanaway Loop Road South this afternoon, Central Pierce Fire & Rescue posted on X .
Central Pierce Crews were on scene at 4:25 p.m., according to the post. Three patients were transported to local hospitals, and firefighters had to cut one of them free of the vehicle, the post said.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Department deputies were directing traffic, and people were advised to avoid the area, the post said.
Central Pierce spokesperson Michael Auvil told The News Tribune at about 4:40 p.m. that extrication involves removing a person from a vehicle when metal is wrapped around the person or restricting safe movement. Crews might need to cut a roof or doors to remove the patient, he said.
He also told The News Tribune the three patients included a child small enough to be held. He didn’t immediately know the child’s age but said they were transported MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
Auvil wasn’t able to confirm whether the patients had life-threatening injuries, but he said none were sent to high-trauma centers.