Police Investigate Fatal Crash West of Rainier

Highway 30 was closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated.

Photo of Crash Scene on Highway 30 about one mile west of Rainier, Oregon courtesy: Oregon State Police

(RANIER, Ore.) - Oregon State Police are investigating a fatal crash early Sunday morning on Highway 30 about one mile west of Rainier that led to the death of one person and serious to critical injuries of three others. Troopers on scene say the victim's name and passenger's name are withheld at this time pending next of kin notification.

OSP Sergeant Larry Lucas says that at approximately 12:30 AM, OSP troopers from the St. Helens work site responded to a three vehicle crash on Highway 30 at milepost 51 about a mile west of the Lewis and Clark Bridge at Rainier.

He says preliminary investigation indicates a Washington licensed blue Chevrolet Lumina was eastbound with two occupants when the vehicle suddenly swerved into the westbound lane and collided with a westbound red Mazda Miata. A Dodge Neon following the Miata also struck the Miata.

STEPHEN WILKINS, age 45, from Longview, Washington, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Passenger VICKIE ALFONSO, age 48, also from Longview,

The 45-year old male driver of the Lumina, Stephen Wilkins of Longview, Washington, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A 48-year old female passenger, Vickie Alfonso, was critically injured and transported to St. Johns Medical Center, Lucas said. He added, "Troopers believe that it appears neither were using safety restraints."

The Mazda's driver, 52-year old Randall Haak and his passenger, 47-year old Rebecca Haak, both from Rainier, were transported to St Johns Medical Center with serious injuries. Both were using safety restraints.

The Dodge Neon driver, 42-year old Cheryl Mitchell of Rainier, escaped injury and was able to driver her vehicle home.

Lucas says OSP troopers are continuing the investigation. Assistance at the scene provided by the Clatskanie Fire Department, ODOT, Rainier Police Department, and Clatskanie Police Department.

Highway 30 was closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated.