One Person Dies in Head-On Crash Near McMinnville

Salem-News.com

(MCMINNVILLE) - One person died and another received non-life threatening injuries in a two-vehicle head-on crash Friday evening on Highway 18 near the west McMinnville bypass.

This is the second fatal crash investigated by Oregon State Police Friday and the first that falls within the official Fourth of July holiday reporting period. The name of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

OSP troopers say that at approximately 7:10 PM, a 1991 Mazda Miata driven by an adult male was eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 44.5 when, for an unknown reason, it crossed into the westbound lane.

The first vehicle was able to avoid the Mazda, but a westbound 2000 Ford Explorer, was unable to avoid the passenger car and they crashed head-on.

The driver of the Mazda was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators say he was wearing a seat belt and his airbag deployed.

The driver of the Ford Explorer, 30-year old Jamie Bansen of McMinnville, was using safety restraints and received non-life threatening injuries. She was transported by ambulance to Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville.

Police say her vehicle's airbag also deployed.

Highway 18 was closed for about three hours and a detour was in place to move traffic around the area.

Oregon State Police troopers from the McMinnville Area Command are continuing the investigation.