One Dead and Three Injured in Crash - Highway 99W (PHOTO UPDATE)

The investigation indicates speed and racing may be contributing factors in this fatal crash.

Photos of crash scene by Oregon State Police

(DALLAS, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Polk County District Attorney's Office into a three vehicle crash that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least two others.

It happened Thursday afternoon on Highway 99W about one mile north of the junction with Highway 22 in Polk County. Thursday at approximately 5:47 p.m., a 1994 Acura Integra driven by 27-year old Homero Ceja Hidalgo of McMinnville, was northbound on a two-lane straight stretch of Highway 99W near milepost 56.

Police say he attempted to pass a 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and ended up in the path of an approaching southbound 2004 Nissan Xterra with four occupants, police said.

The Acura reportedly tried to move back into the northbound lane, lost control and crossed back into the southbound lane where it collided with the Nissan.

The Chevrolet was struck by at least one of the vehicles causing minor damage to it.

During the impact the Acura split into two sections and Ceja Hidalgo was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene.

Ceja Hidalgo was believed to be using safety restraints but the ejection occurred when the car split into half.

A passenger, 25-year old Brockman R. Herron of McMinnville, was transported to Salem Hospital with minor injuries.

The Nissan's driver, 40-year old Laynette L. Curran of Harrisburg, reportedly was not injured.

The left rear female passenger, 12-year old Addie Curran, also of Harrisburg, was transported to Salem Hospital with minor injuries.

Police say two other passengers identified as 40-year old Teresa Irene Adams and 14-year old Samantha Day, both also from Harrisburg, had no reported injuries.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo's driver, 23-year old Ismael Nambo Milina of McMinnville, was not injured and was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

He was lodged in the Polk County Jail.

The investigation indicates speed and possible speed racing involving the victim and the Chevrolet Monte Carlo may be contributing factors in this fatal crash.

OSP troopers from the Salem and McMinnville offices are continuing the investigation. Polk County Sheriff's Office, Dallas Fire & Rescue and ODOT assisted at the scene.

The highway was re-opened approximatey 9:00 p.m.