News Release from: Oregon State Police
INJURY TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 97 NORTH OF LA PINE (PHOTOS)
Posted: December 18th, 2012 7:13 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-12/1002/60306/121812.hwy97mp160.1.jpg
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-12/1002/60306/121812.hwy97mp160.2.jpg
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-12/1002/60306/121812.hwy97mp160.3.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-12/1002/60306/121812.hwy97mp160.4.JPG
One person was injured Tuesday afternoon in a fiery four-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 97 north of La Pine. Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation.
On December 18, 2012 at approximately 1:45 p.m., a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche pickup driven by FRANCES J. SITTEL, age 62, from La Pine, was southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 160 following a 2005 Toyota Corolla and a 2012 Kia Sportage sport utility vehicle when SITTEL lost control on the snow / ice covered highway. The Chevrolet Avalanche crashed into the back of the Toyota Corolla, pushing it into the back of the Kia Sportage. The Chevrolet spun sideways into the northbound lane where it crashed into a northbound 1998 Chrysler van driven by LISA A. STEWART, age 48, from Bend.
After the final impact, the van caught fire in the middle of the highway and its driver was able to get out before La Pine firefighters arrived. The Chevrolet Avalanche came to rest off the highway in a snow bank. The other two vehicles came to rest with minor damage.
STEWART was transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The other three drivers were not injured. The Toyota's driver is identified as MICHELLE L. KEEFER, age 37, from Roseburg. The Kia's driver is identified as DANNY A. LOWERY, age 72, from La Pine.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, and ODOT. The highway was closed one hour.
Senior Trooper Jason Hansen is the lead investigator. Enforcement action decision is pending completion of the investigation.
Photographs - Oregon State Police
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