On Thursday, September 21, 2023, at approximately 12:35 PM, Oregon State Troopers from the Pendleton area command responded to a large multi-vehicle crash on the westbound lanes of Interstate 84, near milepost 227. The incident occurred in dense fog and resulted in a fiery collision that left several vehicles destroyed and one individual hospitalized with serious injuries.
Officials say the crash involved seventeen vehicles. Among the wreckage, fire destroyed two commercial motor vehicles and a passenger car, leaving them heavily damaged.
One motorist, critically injured in the incident, was transported to Kadlec Hospital in Washington via a life flight. Fortunately, several others involved in the accident sustained only minor injuries.
The aftermath of the crash demanded a substantial response from emergency services and law enforcement, leading to the closure of the interstate for an eight-hour period. During this time, crews worked to clear the wreckage and restore the area to a safe condition, ensuring the well-being of all travelers.
A preliminary investigation into the incident identified limited visibility caused by the prevailing fog and excessive vehicle speed as contributing factors to the collision.
OSP received assistance from multiple agencies, including Pendleton Fire and Ambulance, the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Echo Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Their collective efforts played a pivotal role in mitigating the damage and facilitating the reopening of Interstate 84.
Source: OSP
