Four People Die in Crash Near Government Camp

Tragic crash claims four lives

Salem-News.com

(GOVERNMENT CAMP) - Four people died in a head-on crash on Highway 26 near Government Camp Sunday afternoon.

It happened at about 1:20 PM on Highway 26 near milepost 64, which is eight miles east of Government Camp.

Police say a black 1999 BMW operated by 22-year old Andrey Blashishin of Portland had been eastbound on Highway 26 when it crossed the centerline and struck a silver 2004 Dodge Intrepid operated by 55-year old Gary Dean Matlick of Bend, that had been traveling westbound.

One male and two female passengers in the black BMW, 19-year old Diana Timofieya, 16-year old Buga Ruvimbuga and 23-year old Nataliya Blashishin died at the scene of the crash.

Police say they have not yet determined where the three passengers in the BMW who died are from.

A female passenger in the silver Dodge Intrepid, 56-year old Jaqueline Matlick of Boise, Idaho also died at the scene of the crash.

Both drivers were transported to Emanuel Hospital in Portland for the treatment of serious injuries.

Traffic on Highway 26 was restricted to one lane of travel for approximately 5 1/2 hours while the crash was investigated and the roadway cleared. At one point travel in both directions was blocked for approximately 1 hour to allow for the extrication of victims and the movement of emergency vehicles.

Oregon State Police troopers were assisted at the scene by firefighters from the Hoodland Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Investigation into the cause of the collision is continuing.

Related:

• May 9^th Update on Fatal Crash Near Government Camp