Man Died Following Three-Vehicle Tacoma Crash
A 28-year-old man was killed after his vehicle struck a power pole in Tacoma on Friday night.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Accidents
Duran Tessema, 28, died after a three-vehicle collision in the 5900 block of Portland Avenue in Tacoma. The impact with a power pole split his vehicle in half.
Why it matters
The fatal incident highlights the ongoing dangers of traffic collisions in high-density urban corridors. It marks a significant loss for the community, as the victim was a local graduate of Mount Tahoma High School.
Official reports confirm three vehicles were involved in the accident. The investigation remains active as authorities determine the sequence of events leading to the fatal impact.
The players
Duran Tessema
He was a 28-year-old resident and a 2017 graduate of Mount Tahoma High School who died in the accident.
The details
The crash occurred in the 5900 block of Portland Avenue when the victim's vehicle struck a power pole with such force that it was severed in half. Duran Tessema was the only individual transported to a hospital following the collision.
Timeline
Duran Tessema graduated from Mount Tahoma High School in 2017.
The crash occurred on September 20, 2026, at 11:14 p.m.
Legal Context
This fatality adds to local concerns regarding road safety protocols on major city arterials like Portland Avenue. It reflects a broader trend of serious accidents in urban jurisdictions that test the efficacy of the Washington State Department of Transportation Target Zero initiative.
Residents in the area should remain aware of potential traffic disruptions near the 5900 block of Portland Avenue during the ongoing investigation. Drivers are reminded to exercise increased caution on major thoroughfares during late-night hours.
The takeaway
Maintaining safe speeds and situational awareness is critical for survival in urban traffic environments. Drivers are encouraged to prioritize road safety to help prevent tragic outcomes on city streets.
Further reading
For more information on local road safety and collision reports, visit the Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tacoma News Tribune.
