Two Salem Men Killed When Car Hits Parked Semi

OSP says there is no evidence at this time that alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.

Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Two Salem-area men died early Saturday morning when their northbound vehicle drifted onto the right extended shoulder on Interstate 5 adjacent to the Santiam Rest Area and crashed into the back of a parked semi-trailer.

At approximately 2:55 AM a commercial truck pulling three semi-trailers registered to Conway Transport was stopped on the extended shoulder width area northbound Interstate 5 adjacent to the Santiam Rest Area with parking lights on. It's driver had pulled over and stopped to catch up on paperwork before resuming travel northbound.

A northbound red 1991 Toyota Tercel two-door driven by 40-year-old Robert Kris Orendorff, from Salem, drifted onto the right shoulder and crashed into the back of the third semi-trailer about 200 feet north of milepost 241.

Mr. Orendorff and his passenger, 39-year-old Shawn Alan Jacober, from Salem, were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

According to Oregon State Police troopers investigating the crash, Mr. Orendorff was only using his shoulder safety restraint without use of the lap belt. Mr. Jacober was not using safety restraints.

The commercial truck driver, whose name is not available, was not injured.

According to witnesses, the Toyota was weaving northbound at highway speeds when it drifted onto the right shoulder area and crashed into the rear trailer. The commercial vehicles were parked at least 12 feet from the travel lane on the paved shoulder.

There was no evidence of pre-impact braking or avoidance maneuver by the Toyota prior to impact. OSP says there is no evidence at this time that alcohol was a contributing factor.
Source: Oregon State Police