Fatal Traffic Crash Closes Oregon`s Hwy 22 West of 99W

Highway 22 is closed, and is estimated to be reopened by midnight.

(RICKREALL) - Oregon State Police crash reconstructionists, with the assistance of some interagency members of the Willamette Crash Team, are investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred late Thursday afternoon on Highway 22W west of Highway 99W. One person is deceased and three others are either critical or serious. No names or additional information is expected to be released until Friday morning.

Preliminary information indicates a Nissan Sentra with three female occupants was eastbound on Highway 22W when it was struck head-on by a westbound Ford pickup with two male occupants. Two other vehicles, a Chrysler PT Cruiser and a Chevrolet pickup towing a utility trailer, were also involved but no one was injured and they were driven from the scene.

The female driver of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two female passengers are reported as critical.

The male driver of the Ford pickup was reported to suffered serious injuries. The male passenger was reported to not be injured.

Highway 22W remains closed and a detour has been established by ODOT personnel. The highway is estimated to be reopened by midnight.