LYNNWOOD – Seven vehicles were involved in two accidents that blocked the southbound lanes of I-5 for a short time this afternoon.

Injuries were minor and the vehicles have already been pulled over to the shoulder, said Washington State Patrol trooper Keith Leary.

The accident occurred on the freeway at 196th Street SW near Alderwood mall.

Traffic slowed with a sudden rain shower just before 4 p.m. and five vehicles piled up, Leary said.

Shortly after, two more cars crashed into each other.

The carpool lane is currently closed as tow-truck drivers deal with accidents.