Lanes of SR-18 blocked near Covington, WA due to collision

Lanes on both sides of SR-18 are closed near Covington-Maple Valley area after a four-car collision.According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, a four-car, head-on collision occurred just before 3:00 p.m. and is blocking all eastbound lanes near the SR-169 interchange.The crash appears affected both sides of the freeway, as westbound traffic was only getting by on the shoulder for several hours. Eastbound traffic on SR-18 and northbound traffic on SR-169 is currently backed up nearly two miles.Emergency crews are on scene evaluating the incident. Witnesses say a helicopter landed on the highway to assist first responders.According to Puget Sound Fire, three people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.Major delays are expected in the area. Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes.There is no estimated time for eastbound lanes to reopen.This is a developing story; check back for updates.3 shot outside nightclub in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhoodAuburn police officer arrested for immoral communications with minorTwo Navy jets crash during Idaho air show; All 4 crew members surviveEmployees terrified after they say a man hid in Seattle store overnightWho was Juniper Blessing? Tributes pour in for University of Washington student killed4th King County resident being monitored for Andes hantavirusTrump says China agreed to buy 200 Boeing planesTo get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.