MANNING, Ore. – One man died after a head-on crash on Highway 26 near Sellers Road east of Manning early Wednesday, police said.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second man was flown in a LifeFlight helicopter to Oregon Health & Science University with serious injuries. Names have not yet been released, pending notification of relatives.
Witnesses said the conditions were dark and foggy and the driver who died had been trying to pass another vehicle when he crashed head-on into the Pontiac Grand Prix.
A Good Samaritan stopped to help and an oncoming pickup truck also crashed into his truck, along with the disabled Pontiac. No one was hurt in that second crash.
"I think it’s a reminder to everyone, when you come up on vehicles stopped in the roadway, don’t just pass that traffic, assess what’s happening up there," said Lt. Gregg Hastings with Oregon State Police.
Authorities closed U.S. 26 in both directions between Highway 47 and Highway 6 after the crash. Police warned that the closure will be lengthy, due to the complex investigation.
A detour was set up that takes westbound traffic at Hwy 6 to Hwy 47 and then back to U.S. 26. Eastbound traffic will detour at Hwy 47 to Hwy 6 and back to U.S. 26.
Courtesy KGW.com
