Two People Die in Crash on Highway 22 West of Santiam Summit

Officers from Keizer and Woodburn responded to the scene near Detroit to assist in the investigation.

Salem-News.com

(DETROIT) - State troopers say two people died Thursday afternoon when their vehicle lost control on Highway 22 east of Detroit and was struck by a pickup towing another vehicle. The next of kin have not been notified and the victim's names are not being released yet by police.

A Honda Civic two-door with a male driver and female passenger were westbound on Highway 22 near milepost 61 around 5:30 PM Thursday, when it lost control on a curve and began to rotate as it crossed the center line. An eastbound 1992 Dodge 4x4 pickup towing a single axle trailer with a Ford Explorer was unable to stop and crashed into the left rear of the Honda.

Both occupants of the Honda were pronounced deceased at the scene, say police investigators. Neither were using safety restraints.

The driver of the Dodge pickup, 32-year old Ezequiel Sandovol of Redmond was using safety restraints and not injured.

OSP Troopers say the highway conditions included slush, and spots of snow and ice. Investigators are looking at speed and improper tires for the highway conditions on the Honda as possible factors.

Highway 22 was closed for about 1 1/2 hours before being opened to one lane. The highway was fully reopened by 10:00 PM.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. An OSP crash reconstructionist was assisted by an officer from Keizer and Woodburn police departments.