Salem-News.com Elsie articles

Third Victim Identified in Triple Fatal Crash Near Elsie

Investigating troopers advise conditions at the time of the crash were not icy and alcohol/drugs were not factors.

(ELSIE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police are continuing the investigation into Sunday afternoon's triple fatal traffic crash on Highway 26 east of Elsie. Next of kin notification has been completed on the third victim whose identity is now being released.

They say the right rear female passenger in the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta is identified as 23-year old Carmen Edith Lopez of Gardena, California. Ms. Lopez, who was not using safety restraints, is the wife of critically injured passenger, 21-year old Miguel Angel Martinez-Butron.

Three Die in Head-On Crash Near Elsie

The triple fatal traffic crash happened on Highway 26 east of Elsie.

(ELSIE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are investigating a two-vehicle head-on crash Sunday afternoon on Highway 26 east of Elsie that has resulted in the death of three people and injuries to four others. No names will be released tonight and troopers anticipate the highway will reopen around 9:00 PM.

State police Spokesman Greg Hastings says that around 3:45 PM, a 1999 Volkswagen Jetta with five occupants was westbound on Highway 26 near milepost 25 when, for unknown reasons, crossed the center line and crashed nearly head-on with an eastbound Chevrole Silverado pickup with two occupants.