Salem Man Dies in Crash on Oregon Highway 18 (PHOTOS)

The crash happened east of Highway 101 on the mountainous coastal route.

Fatal crash on Hwy. 18 in Rose Lodge, Oregon. Photos of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(ROSE LODGE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into Wednesday afternoon's fatal traffic crash on Highway 18 in the Rose Lodge area that resulted in the death of a Salem man and injuries to his wife.

OSP Trooper Bryan Fitch, says the crash happened Wednesday at approximately 1:10 p.m. as a 1998 Ford Mustang driven by 41-year old Shannon Iverson of Salem, was westbound on Highway 18 near milepost 5.

The car reportedly attempted to turn left onto North Bear Creek Road when the crash happened.

Fitch says the Ford turned directly in front of an eastbound 1996 Peterbuilt flatbed truck pulling a small trailer, operated by 51-year old Jeffrey ALlen Smith of Eugene.

"After impact, the Ford came to a stop in the middle of the highway and the truck stopped in the ditch on the eastbound shoulder."

The Ford's passenger, 53-year old Dwight F. Iverson of Salem, was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was using safety restraints. Fitch says Shannon Iverson was initially transported by Pac West ambulance to North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City before being transferred to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland.

"Her injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. Safety restraint use has not been confirmed."

Smith, who was driving for Bespec Industries out of Eugene, was using safety restraints and received minor injuries. He was not transported for treatment.

OSP troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Multi-Agency Traffic Crash Team and Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.

Other agencies assisting at the scene included Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Toledo Police Department, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and ODOT.

Fitch says Highway 18 was closed about 4 1/2 hours at the crash scene location.