Drivers Identified in Afternoon Crash on I-5 in Salem

One driver was cited for Driving While Suspended, Careless Driving, and Driving Uninsured.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(SALEM) - Three people were injured Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near milepost 257. Investigators say it happened after one of the vehicles crossed the center median and struck a pickup.

A white Chevrolet Astro van driven by 40-year old Homer Boling of Portland, was northbound on Interstate 5 Thursday at approximately 12:45 PM when, for an unknown reason, it lost control and crossed the raised center median.

Witnesses say the van reportedly became airborne, landed on the southbound side and crashed into a pickup driven by 53-year old Douglas S. Peetz of Keizer. Both vehicles came to rest on the right hand side of the southbound lanes.

Peetz was seriously injured and transported to Salem Hospital.

Boling and his passenger, 20-year old Lee Garrett of Portland, received non-life threatening injuries and were also transported to the hospital for treatment.

Boling was cited for Driving While Suspended, Careless Driving, and Driving Uninsured.

The inside southbound shoulder was opened to traffic after emergency personnel stabilized the scene.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office are completing the investigation. Salem Fire Department, ODOT and other local emergency responders assisted.