Multiple Cars Involved in I-5 Fatal Crash

The Sentra's passenger is in Critical condition.

Photos: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning's multi-vehicle fatal crash that occurred in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Salem.

On September 24, 2014 at approximately 7:50 a.m., a 2005 Ford Ranger pickup driven by 53-year old Michael Lippman, from SE Salem, was northbound in heavy rain conditions when it collided into the left side of a tanker trailer.

The pickup then crossed the raised grass center median into the southbound lanes where it collided head-on with a 1993 Nissan Sentra two-door with two occupants.

Two other southbound vehicles, a 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup and a 1997 Toyota pickup, were involved in the collision.

The Nissan's driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. He is identified as 54-year old Steven Edward Fritz, from SW Portland. He is the husband of Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz and an employee at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem.

A 64-year old female passenger in the Nissan, Cary Marie Fairchild, from SW Portland, was critically injured and transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital. She is also an employee of the Oregon State Hospital and is in critical condition.

Mr. Lippmann was also transported to Salem Hospital with minor injuries and was treated and released. He is cooperating with the investigation.

Two males in the Toyota pickup were taken to Salem Hospital with minor injuries. Their names are not available at this time.

A second minor collision involving two other vehicles occurred north of the initial crash scene that was unrelated to the fatal crash.

There is no evidence of alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor.

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation and is asking to hear from any witnesses to the initial northbound collision between the pickup and a tanker trailer prior to the pickup departing the northbound lanes and crossing the freeway center median.

Senior Trooper Doug Brown is the lead investigator. Anyone with information is asked to call OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at (503) 375-3555.

OSP was assisted at the scene by several agencies including Salem Police Department, Salem Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Keizer Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, ODOT, Salem Environmental Services, and Marion County District Attorney's Office.

One lane was open during the investigation and all lanes opened at 11:00 a.m.

Source: Oregon State Police