Vehicle Crash on I-5 May be Alcohol Related

Salem-News.com

(KEIZER) - A rollover crash on Interstate-5 Sunday afternoon sent two people to the hospital, one with critical injuries. Police say alcohol could have been a factor.

Around 2:00 PM Sunday, police say a red 1994 Ford Ranger pickup northbound on I-5 near milepost 261 attempted to pass another vehicle, but clipped the second vehicle's bumper in the process.

Sgt. Dale Young with Oregon State Police says that as the rear of the Ford Ranger hit the front end of the vehicle it was passing, "It caused the Ford Ranger to lose control and roll over, Covering all 3 lanes of the highway, coming to rest on the right hand shoulder of the road."

Young says the other vehicle sustained minor damage and the occupants were not injured.

The driver of the Ford Ranger, a 39 year old male from Keizer, and the passenger, a 45 year old male also from Keizer, were transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital.

The driver was in critical condition and was later transported to Emanual Hospital in Portland, while the passenger was treated for a broken arm and released from Salem Memorial Hospital.

Police say alcohol may have been a contributing factor to the crash.

The Oregon State Police Salem Area Command is continuing the investigation of the crash. Keizer Police Department and the Oregon Department of Transportion assisted at the scene.