Two Injured in Head-On Crash near Klamath Falls

Police consider speed to be a contributing factor and the primary cause of the crash.

Photos courtesy: Oregon State Police

(LAKE OF THE WOODS, Ore.) - State troopers say two people were seriously injured Thursday afternoon at approximately 5:20 PM in a two vehicle crash on Highway 140W about thirty miles west of Klamath Falls near Lake of the Woods.

According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Robert Fenner, a 2000 Toyota 4 Runner driven by 30-year old Jerimiah Paladino of Medford, was westbound on Highway 140W near milepost 36 when it lost control on an icy spot on the roadway and slid into the eastbound lane.

The Toyota 4 Runner crashed nearly head-on with an eastbound Ford Explorer driven by 41-year old Steven G. Sayre of Klamath Falls.

Sayre was transported by Harriman Ambulance to Great Meadow Snow Park where a Mercy Flights helicopter landed and then transported him to Providence Medical Center in Medford.

Harriman Ambulance transported Paladino to Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls with serious injuries.

Investigators say both drivers were using their safety belts.

OSP troopers from the Klamath Falls Area Command office is continuing the investigation. They consider speed to be a contributing factor and the primary cause of the crash.

Harriman Ambulance and ODOT assisted at the scene. The eastbound lane was blocked for approximately two hours.