One Driver Dies in Crash Involving Two Semi-Trucks

Debris from the vehicles,which consisted of a large amount of tomato juice from the southbound vehicle's load, was spread out across the highway and had to be cleared from the scene.

Salem-News.com

(MADRAS, Ore.) - Police say one person is dead following a head-on crash involving two semi-trucks on Highway 97 near milepost 191. The crash, which closed Highway 97 for approximately 7 hours, is now open to one lane traffic.

This morning at approximately 11:49 PM, A 1996 Freightliner semi-truck and trailer, driven by 43-year old Alfonso Rodriguez-Sanchez of Coalinga, California, was southbound on (US) 97, when for an unknown reason it crossed over the center line and into the northbound lane of travel into the path of A 1989 Freightliner semi-truck and trailer, operated by 70-year old Thomas Fredrick Williams of Westwood, California.

Mr. Williams attempted an avoiding manuever, but was unable to avoid a head-on collision. Rodriguez-Sanchez and Williams were both transported to St. Charles Hospital in Bend where they were listed in serious condition. A passenger in the 1996 Freightliner, identified as 32-year old Jose Luiz Sanchez of Coalinga, California, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both vehicles caught fire after the collision. State troopers say Highway 97 was completely closed at this location for approximately 7 hours while Oregon State Troopers from the Ghilcrest, Prineville and Madras Offices completed the investigation.

Debris from the vehicles,which consisted of a large amount of tomato juice from the southbound vehicle's load, was spread out across the highway and had to be cleared from the scene. The roadway was reopened to one lane controlled traffic at approximately 5:30 AM this morning.

Investigators say there was no ice or snow reported on the roadway at the time of the crash. The Oregon State Police were assisted on scene by ODOT, the Crescent Fire Department and Davenport Funeral Homes.