(Image: SDOT)

A Tuesday morning car fire resulting from a four car collision on I-5 under the Pine St. overpass sent a plume of smoke over Capitol Hill and backed up traffic for miles in both directions on I-5.

The Washington State Patrol said investigators determined the 8:15 AM collision was caused by a distracted driver.

Medics transported one 67-year-old driver to the hospital as a precaution. Onlookers above I-5 captured images and video of the fire and brief rescue effort as Seattle Fire crews worked to extinguish the flames.

Shortly after the collision, all northbound I-5 traffic was diverted on to the Olive Way exit causing significant backups on Capitol Hill. Traffic began flowing again around 9 AM on I-5.

These citizens who safely extricated this man should be commended @KING5Seattle @KIRO7Seattle @KimiKline @jseattle pic.twitter.com/uyVnL3EkuD

— B. Gauen (@bgseatown) May 5, 2015