Pedestrian Struck Down on Freeway in Salem

The pedestrian has been identified as 31-year old Manuel J. Wood of Salem.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Oregon) - A Salem-area man was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon when he reportedly stepped out in front of the path of a commercial truck southbound Interstate 5 near the South Battlecreek overpass.

All lanes were shut down after the collisions on both northbound and southbound I-5 at mile post 250, just south of the Battle Creek overpass.

Then a secondary, three-vehicle accident has closed the left hand lane on northbound I-5 at the same location as of 5:07 PM.

Oregon State Police say a commercial truck transporting wine operated by 60-year old Leon W. Kirby of Washington State, was southbound in the right hand lane when a pedestrian stepped into the path of the truck.

The truck's driver braked hard but was unable to avoid hitting the pedestrian. The truck came to a stop in the right lane. The driver was not hurt.

The pedestrian has been identified as 31-year old Manuel J. Wood of Salem. He was transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital with serious injuries.

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Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office say they are continuing the investigation. No confirmed reason for the pedestrian's actions is available. Assistance at the scene given by Salem Fire Department and ODOT. All lanes were closed for emergency response until 5:40 PM.