Several Hurt in Highway 18 Van Duzer Corridor Crash

The highway was blocked for four hours.

Salem-News.com

(LINCOLN CITY, Ore.) - Seven people were injured, two seriously, in a four-vehicle traffic crash Saturday morning on Highway 18 west of the Van Duzer Corridor in Lincoln County.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Justin McGladrey says Saturday at approximately 12:20 p.m. a 1998 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by 44-year old David Carl Josephson of Yacolt, Washington, was stopped behind a group of traffic westbound on Highway 18 near milepost 7 due to an earlier crash about three miles west.

A 2002 Dodge Caravan driven by 67-year old Richard Wayne Ohnstad of Dallas, failed to stop and crashed into the back of the motorcycle, throwing both people on it to the ground.

McGladrey says the impact pushed the motorcycle into a stopped Chrysler Town and Country van with five occupants which then was pushed into a stopped 2006 Honda Accord with five occupants.

David Josephson and his wife, 44-year old Melanie Marie Josephson, were both seriously injured and initially transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City.

David Josephson was then taken by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. His wife was transported by ground ambulance to the same hospital. Both were wearing protective helmets and are listed in stable condition.

Phnstad and his two passengers were not injured.

The Chrysler van's driver, 50-year old Khamsone Bandasith of Portland and his four passengers were transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital with minor injuries.

The Honda's driver, 68-year old Gerald Gene Holsler of Canby, and his four other occupants were not injured.

Highway 18 was partially blocked for approximately five hours.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation. The Lincoln County District Attorney's Office, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, ODOT, Pac West Ambulance and the Lincoln County Multi-Agency Crash Team (MAC-T) assisted at the scene.

Additional responders from OSP, Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, Toledo Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office were also on scene.