At Least 4 Seriously Hurt in Icy Jacknife Crash

Two had to be lifeflighted from the scene.

Photos of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(LA PINE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are investigating a head-on crash Monday morning that seriously injured at least four people and closed Highway 97 near La Pine for nearly four hours. Names will be released at a later time once all occupant names have been confirmed.

According to OSP Sergeant Mark Crisp, Monday at approximately 9:07 a.m. a 2006 Ford pickup pulling an empty 20-foot horse trailer operated by a 40-year old female was southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 169.

"The operator said the pickup started to slide on the packed snow/ice roadway and jackknifed into the northbound lane," Crisp said.

A northbound 2005 Chevrolet sport utility vehicle driven by a 43-year old male struck the Ford pickup's driver side according to Crisp, "After impact, the Ford pickup and horse trailer came to rest in the east side ditch, and the Chevrolet came to rest in the west side ditch."

The Ford's driver and one of three passengers were transported by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with serious injury. Injury information regarding the other two passengers is pending confirmation.

The Chevrolet's driver and passenger were transported by Crescent Ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with serious injuries, Crest said. All occupants were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Gilchrist office are continuing the investigation with assistance from Bend Area Command office troopers.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Crescent Fire Department, La Pine Fire Department, Sunriver Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.