Herlinda Alzate-Barrera, 38, dead, eight injured in series of accidents blocking I-90 near Spokane, Washington

One person has died and eight people were injured in a series of accidents just west of Spokane this morning. The accidents have blocked Interstate 90 eastbound, and westbound traffic is moving stop-and-go. The accidents appear to have been caused by icy conditions on the road and drivers traveling too fast for the conditions. A pickup truck lost control near the overpass crossing West Medical Lake 4 Lakes Road. The pickup crossed the median and headed into oncoming traffic. A semi-truck, swerving to avoid hitting the pickup, crossed the median and hit a car, killing one person in the vehicle. The semi hit another car, then crashed through a guardrail and down an embankment toward West Medical Lake 4 Lakes Road. Both the eastbound lanes of I-90 and all lanes of West Medical Lake 4 Lakes Road are closed. Westbound traffic is moving slowly, but it’s stacking up as travelers try to head out for the Thanksgiving holiday. The accidents occurred at 8:02 a.m.  The W.S.P. said the eight peoples’ injuries are non-life-threatening. UPDATE: Herlinda Alzate-Barrera, 38, of Mattawa, Wash., died at the scene. Spokane is growing in population, and with this growth comes increases in traffic, congestion, and accidents. At this link you can learn more about the issues related to Spokane car accidents and insurance claims. .