Salem Woman Critically Injured in Friday Night Crash

Salem-News.com

(WOODBURN) - A Salem-area woman was critically injured Friday when the car she was riding in lost control and came to rest in a ditch along side Interstate 5 about four miles south of Woodburn.

OSP trooper Doug Brown said just before 9:00 PM, a vehicle driven by 25-year-old Hilario Ortiz Rios, from Salem, swerved to avoid another car that cut him off.

His vehicle left Interstate 5 and came to rest in a ditch along side the freeway.

The driver, sustained minor injuries, but his passenger, 20-year-old Sandra Milena Velazquez, from Salem, was transported to Salem Hospital in critical condition with internal injuries.

Trooper Brown said both occupants were wearing safety belts, but an improperly worn safety belt by the female passenger may have been a factor in her serious injuries.

Trooper Brown, who is assigned to the OSP Salem Area Command, is continuing the investigation.