Two Die in Lane County Crash

Police say the don't know why a pickup truck crossed the center line.

Photo of fatal crash scene: Oregon State Police

(EUGENE, Ore.) - A Springfield woman and a Pleasant Hill woman were killed and Pleasant Hill man injured in a two car head-on collision this afternoon near Springfield.

Investigators say Sunday at about 4:40 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers from the Springfield Area Command responded to a two vehicle head-on traffic collision on Jasper Road about three miles east of Springfield.

Police arriving on the scene found a 2003 Chevrolet pick-up operated by 19-year old Natalie Ann Peterson of Springfield, was traveling eastbound on Jasper Rd near Mile Post 3 when for an unknown reason, her vehicle left the roadway and drifted onto the right shoulder. Miss Peterson then over corrected, veered to the left, crossed the center line and went into the westbound lane.

A 1987 Mercedes sedan driven by 60-year old Donald Laird of Pleasant Hill, was traveling westbound approaching the pick-up. 55-year old Donna Laird of Pleasant Hill, was also riding in the Mercedes.

Police say the Chevrolet pick-up crossed into the path of the Mercedes and they collided head-on in the westbound lane.

Natalie Peterson and Donna Laird were pronounced deceased at the scene. Donald Laird was transported to by ground ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. Traffic was reduced to one lane on the roadway for about four hours. At this point, police say alcohol, does not appear to be a factor in the crash. All three occupants were wearing seat belts.

Oregon State Police Troopers are continuing the investigation and OSP was assisted on scene by the Lane County Sheriff's Department and the Lane Rural Fire Department.