Crash Kills Truck Driver Near Hermiston (UPDATED)

The driver has been identified as 43-year old David C. Contreras of Pasco, Washington.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(HERMISTON, Ore.) - Police say a commercial truck driver died Monday night after driving off Highway 207 near E. Punkin Center Road northeast of Hermiston and striking some trees, resulting in a vehicle fire. The driver has been identified as 43-year old David C. Contreras of Pasco, Washington.

Last night at approximately 11:10 PM, Mr. Contreras was operating a 2000 Freightliner truck pulling a flatbed semi-trailer loaded with PVC pipe, traveling southbound on Highway 207 approaching the intersection with E. Punkin Center Road where there is a slight right hand curve.

Investigators say the truck continued straight across the northbound lane, off the highway and through a fence. As it continued to the east it clipped one tree and traveled nearly 300 more feet before landing between two trees where it caught fire.

The fire was contained mostly to the commercial truck which was extensively damaged. 43-year old David C. Contreras of Pasco, Washington died at the scene. The truck is registered to Excel Transport out of Sunnyside, Washington.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Hermiston work site responded with local emergency fire and police personnel. The investigation is continuing.

Source: Oregon State Police