Jeep Collides With Log Truck on Highway 20 Near Albany

The name of the driver of the Jeep has now been identified by OSP.

Oregon State Police are continuing the investigation into Thursday afternoon's serious injury traffic crash involving a sport utility vehicle and an empty log truck along Highway 20 just east of Albany. Photo Courtesy: Oregon State Police

(ALBANY, Ore. ) - Oregon State Police are continuing the investigation into Thursday afternoon's serious injury traffic crash involving a sport utility vehicle and an empty log truck along Highway 20 just east of Albany.

The preliminary information indicates at approximately 12:30 p.m., a Jeep Cherokee driven by a 21-year-old Ashley Ryan Ross, of Albany was traveling westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 2.

For an unconfirmed reason, the Jeep traveled off onto the north side shoulder where the driver over-corrected causing it to travel across the highway into the path of an eastbound empty log truck. The Jeep collided into the truck's rear axle and came to rest across the highway.

The Jeep's driver was extricated by fire personnel and transported by air ambulance to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis where she is in critical condition.

The truck's driver was not injured. He is identified as 34-year-old Theodore Hilchey from Salem.

OSP troopers from Albany and Salem offices responded to the scene to investigate.

OSP is assisted by Linn County Sheriff's Office, Albany Fire Department, and ODOT.

The highway is still blocked with a detour in place.