Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 20 Near Juntura

PHOTO: Oregon State Police

(ONTARIO, Ore.) - Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Sunday afternoon's single vehicle fatal traffic crash on Highway 20 near Juntura in Malheur County.

The crash resulted in the death of an adult male passenger and injuries to the male driver, female adult passenger and two small children. Names will be released after notification has been made.

According to OSP Sergeant Jason Reese, on November 28, 2010 at approximately 3:10 p.m. a 1999 Toyota 4Runner driven by a 35-year old male was eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 181 when it started to slide on the icy road. The vehicle traveled off the roadway onto the northbound shoulder, went down an embankment and struck a juniper tree on the right front passenger side. The vehicle came to rest on its wheels.

The 35-year old male passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency responders.

The male driver and two children, ages 5 and 6, were transported by Vale Ambulance to St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Ontario. They were treated and released.

The female passenger, age not available, was transported by air ambulance to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho with unknown injuries.

Safety restraint use is still being investigated.

OSP troopers from the Ontario Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Vale Ambulance, ODOT, and the Malheur County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.

News Release from: Oregon State Police