WSDOT: Tacoma contractors severely injured in crash on I-5

Two contractors working on I-5 suffered serious injuries after being hit by a speeding car early Sunday morning.

Washington State Patrol says around 3:10 a.m., a gray Dodge Charger and white Chrysler 300 were speeding down southbound I-5 into Tacoma, soaring past two troopers who say they were likely driving more than 100 mph.

The cars sped into a construction zone on the Puyallup River Bridge, which eventually merged into a single lane near the former L Street overpass. One of the cars hit the back of the other, pushing it out of the lane and into a construction pickup truck. Two Atkinson Construction workers were inside the truck when it was hit.

Troopers arrived quickly and arrested one of the suspect drivers for investigation of two counts of first-degree assault. The other driver sped off, and troopers did not pursue it. Authorities believe both drivers were driving under the influence.

"Always slow down in construction zones. Across the nation, there are far too many collisions within construction zones where construction workers are injured," said Trooper Anthony Reese. "As well, if you see any emergency lights on the highway. Troopers have been hit, Department of Transportation workers have been hit, contracted maintenance and other construction workers have been hit. Everyone just needs to adhere to the rules of the road. Just slow down and try to keep each other safe."

The two contractors were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Their employer Atkinson Construction told FOX 13 on Monday that one worker was released from the hospital.

Troopers are still looking for the suspect driving the white Chrysler 300.

RELATED: 2 men sentenced for cutting wood from DNR bridge in Jefferson County

READ MORE: Man charged in deadly shooting outside Graham bar

Get breaking news alerts in the FREE FOX 13 Seattle app. Download for Apple iOS or Android. And sign up for BREAKING NEWS emails delivered straight to your inbox.

Stay connected with FOX 13 News on all platforms:
DOWNLOAD: FOX 13 News and Weather Apps
WATCH: FOX 13 News Live
SUBSCRIBE: FOX 13 on YouTube
DAILY BRIEF: Sign Up For Our Newsletter
FOLLOW: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Watch FOX 13 Seattle for the latest news: