Kenworth Cement Truck Rolls Over Onto Hitchhiker on I-5 Onramp in Salem

Oregon State Police Spokesman Greg Hastings says the truck's load reportedly shifted as he rounded the onramp, causing the cement truck to roll onto its side.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(Salem, Ore.) - A hitchhiker escaped life-threatening injuries after he was hit by a cement truck that rolled while attempting to turn onto a southbound Interstate 5 on ramp from Brook Lake Road north of Salem.

It happened Tuesday at approximately 10:15 AM, when a 2007 Kenworth cement truck driven by 47-year old Scott Van Holland of Amity was eastbound on Brook Lake Road attempting to turn right onto the southbound Interstate 5.

Oregon State Police Spokesman Greg Hastings says the truck's load reportedly shifted as he rounded the onramp, causing the cement truck to roll onto its side.

As it did so, it struck an unfortunate hitchhiker, 48-year old George Tallant of Shasta Lake, California who was standing on the inside shoulder at the top freeway entrance hoping to catch a ride south.

Mr. Tallant was transported to Salem Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Scott Van Holland was not injured when the truck rolled over.

Oregon State Police troopers from Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. No citations have been issued. ODOT and local emergence responders assisted at the scene.