Salem-News.com (Jul-12-2009 10:52)

Police Believe Driver May Have Fallen Asleep at the Wheel

Salem-News.com

The Michigan couple had to be extricated from the vehicle.

(COOS BAY, Ore.) - A couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan was seriously injured Saturday afternoon while traveling in Oregon on Highway 101 south of Coos Bay when their vehicle collided with a tree.

Oregon State Police troopers believe the driver may have fallen asleep before crashing into the tree.

Fred Dunlap, a Senior Trooper with Oregon State Police, says Saturday at approximately 2:09 p.m. a 2009 Mazda "5" minivan driven by 74-year old Shirley Ann Campbell, was northbound on Highway 101 at milepost 246 when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the highway, down an embankment and crashed head-on into a tree.

Shirley Campbell and her passenger, 77-year old Bernard D. Campbell, were seriously injured and had to be extricated from the van by Millington Fire District and Green Acres Fire District emergency personnel.

They were using safety restraints and the vehicle's airbags deployed.

Bay Cities Ambulance transported both to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay. Following initial treatment both were then transported by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland for further treatment.

They are reportedly in stable condition.

OSP troopers from the Coos Bay Area Command office were assisted at the scene by Coos County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

Police Believe Driver May Have Fallen Asleep at the Wheel

Salem-News.com