Double Fatal Traffic Crash on Oregon's Highway 58 East of Oakridge

State troopers are continuing the investigation.

Photo by Oregon State Police

(OAKRIDGE, Ore.) - A single vehicle crash resulted in the death of two people and non-life threatening injuries to a third early Saturday morning, about 15 minutes east of Oakridge, Oregon.

According to OSP Sergeant Chris Ashenfelter, on January 22, 2011 at approximately 6:55 a.m. a 1987 BMW four-door with three male occupants in their early 20's was eastbound on Highway 58 near milepost 51. Conditions were described as foggy with spots of ice. The driver reportedly lost control and the car traveled off the eastbound shoulder where its passenger side collided into a large tree.

An off-duty fire captain arrived at the scene and contacted the car's injured driver who was outside of the vehicle.

The two male passengers were inside the car and both were believed to be deceased. One was seated in the right front seat and the other in the rear seat.

About ten minutes after the crash, Oakridge Fire Department personnel arrived on scene about the time the car caught fire causing extensive damage before it was extinguished.

The 21-year old driver was transported to by Oakridge Fire Department to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with serious, non-life threatening injuries.

The names of the three occupants are being withheld pending the ongoing investigation, positive identifications and completion of next of kin notification, according to Oregon State Police.

OSP troopers from the Oakridge and Springfield offices were on scene about five hours and are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Lane County Medical Examiner.

Oakridge Police Department, Oakridge Fire Department, Central Cascade Fire Department, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Any witnesses related to this fatal crash who have not spoken with OSP are asked to contact Senior Trooper Blaine Hlebechuk at (541) 726-2536 ext. 413.