Two Die in Crash on Highway 51 South of Highway 22‏

Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation at the scene.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Highway 51 remains closed following a Friday morning three-vehicle double fatal crash about one mile south of the Highway 22 junction west of Salem, State Police say. Preliminary information indicates that this morning at approximately 6:45 AM, a passenger car with two occupants was southbound on Highway 51 near milepost 1 when it lost control and slid broadside into the northbound lane where it was struck in the driver's side by a pickup. The passenger car caught fire and both occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators say the impact caused a canopy on the pickup to eject into the air and then hit another passenger car.

Both drivers of the pickup and second passenger car were injured and transported to Salem Hospital.

No names or other identifying information to be released at this time.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation at the scene. ODOT is assisting with traffic control. State Police Spokesman Gregg Hastings says more information will be released later today.