Two Killed, Several Hurt in Crash on I-84 West of Baker City

Five passengers from the crash are still in Intensive Care.

Salem-News.com

(BAKER CITY) - Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigating a single vehicle double fatal rollover crash Thursday morning on Interstate 84 about five miles west of Baker City.

Lieutenant Gregg Hastings with OSP, says passengers were seriously injured in the crash as well in the crash that happened Thursday at approximately 5:20 a.m.

A 2002 Ford E-350 van driven by 25-year old Nicole Elaine Byrd of Federal Heights, Colorado was traveling westbound with fifteen (15) passengers on Interstate 84 near milepost 302 after making a brief stop in Baker City. The group was from the New Life Worship Center.

"As the van was westbound on icy highway conditions, it drove off the roadway and rolled multiple times coming to rest on its top about 50 yards from the westbound lanes near a bordering frontage road."

Hastings says thirteen of the sixteen are believed to have been ejected from the van.

"All occupants were transported to hospitals in La Grande, Baker City and Boise, Idaho. The majority of injured occupants have been treated and released."

Byrd was transported to St. Elizabeth Health Services hospital in Baker City and she was released following treatment.

Two passengers, 30-year old Joshua Pischura of Geneva, Ohio and 23-year old Taune Nicole Winter Pepper of Deer Trail, Colorado died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Five passengers identified below are still in the Intensive Care Unit at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho:

They are:

19-year old Aaron Stearling Werntz of Freeport, Illinois

18-year old Christine Sandra Aki of Golden, Colorado

24-year old Phillip Joel Harris of Attalla, Alabama

18-year old Katherine Elizaneth Darlene Pischura of Geneva, Ohio

22-year old William Chris Rodgers of Lakewood, Colorado

OSP troopers from the Baker City office are continuing the investigation with the assistance of OSP collision reconstructionists, according to Hastings.

Safety restraint use information is pending confirmation by investigating troopers and is not anticipated to be released until the investigation is completed and reviewed by the Baker County District Attorney's Office.

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A sad day for all of us. Just like the times, its cold and dark. If there are no proper lighting in life, life can catch us this way... My thoughts and cares to those who are tested by faith in this moment... May God look upon our days and see that we have not forgoten. Rather remained faithful in this hour of trials.

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