One Person Dies and Several Hurt in Crash NW of Salem

One driver is in custody with OSP troopers while the investigation continues.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are investigating a three vehicle fatal traffic crash on Highway 221 (Wallace Road NW) north of Salemtowne near milepost 17 in Polk County.

One person is reported to have died, four others are injured, and one driver is in custody related to the crash. No names will be released tonight, but additional details other than the brief following information will be provided tomorrow.

Preliminary information from OSP troopers on scene indicates on March 22, 2010 at approximately 7:30 p.m. a pickup driven by the suspect was northbound on Highway 221 at milepost 17 when it crossed the centerline and crashed into a southbound vehicle.

A third vehicle involved in the crash traveled into the ditch where the pickup landed on top of it. The driver of the vehicle in the ditch is deceased.

The pickup's driver is in custody with OSP troopers while the investigation continues. Any pending charges will be announced Tuesday along with other information and names.

Highway 221 at the scene is closed in both directions and will remain so for about two more hours. Traffic updates may be posted on ODOT's website www.tripcheck.com.