7 November 2014
11:00 AM
A crash involving a passenger car and a log truck early this morning just east of Mapleton has claimed two lives and injured three others.
Witnesses said a log truck failed to negotiate a corner early this morning, venturing into the lane of an oncoming car, forcing both vehicles off the road.
Two occupants of the car reportedly died at the scene. The three other occupants were transported to Peace Harbor Medical Center. One was transported to RiverBend in Springfield, one other was admitted for emergency surgery and is in serious condition.
A second crash occurred about 30-minutes later because traffic had backed up on both sides of the original crash.
Oregon State Police say the highway will remain closed until the investigation is complete. Traffic is being detoured onto highway 36 and Poodle Creek Road.
