Police Investigate Serious Crash on Highway 99E north of Canby

In addition to reported injuries, approximately 200 gallons of diesel spilled from the ruptured fuel tanks.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police (Cell phone photos)

(CANBY, Ore.) - Oregon State Police, assisted by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, have completed the scene investigation into a serious injury crash involving a sport utility vehicle and commercial truck on Highway 99E north of South End Road between Canby and Oregon City.

Highway 99E was closed in both directions as ODOT remained on scene handling diesel spill, crash scene clean up, and traffic control duties. According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Tom Worthy, today at approximately 2:35 p.m. a 1994 Ford Explorer driven by 50-year old Kennety R. Laughton Jr. of Clackamas, was southbound on Highway 99E near milepost 15 when, for an unknown reason, it drifted across the center line and collided with a northbound commercial truck pulling a trailer loaded with car batteries.

"Laughton was seriously injured and pinned inside his vehicle. Clackamas County Fire District #1 personnel worked for 45 minutes to extricate him. He was transported by LifeFlight to Oregon Health Sciences University," Worthy said.

Safety restraint use information is not available. Worthy says the truck driver, 39-year old Mykhaylo M. Zalozh of Portland, was reportedly not injured. Fire personnel estimate approximately 200 gallons of diesel spilled from the ruptured fuel tanks. Foam was applied as a preventative measure and there was no fire. Canby Police Department assisted at the scene. ODOT is coordinating scene clean up efforts. Traffic updates may be posted on ODOT's website www.tripcheck.com.

Source: Oregon State Police