DRIVER IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING CRASH - HIGHWAY 97 NEAR CHEMULT (PHOTOS)
Posted: June 13th, 2010 4:26 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2010-06/1002/36018/061310.hwy97mp201.2.jpg
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2010-06/1002/36018/061310.hwy97mp201.1.jpg
A California man is in critical condition following a Sunday morning two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Chemult. The man suffered a seizure after crawling out of his overturned pickup requiring emergency air transport to a Bend hospital.
According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Senior Trooper Joe Smith, on June 13, 2010 at approximately 9:15 a.m. a 2003 Ford pickup driven by HARRY DEAN REHDER, age 57, from Orland, California was southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 201. Entering into a two lane southbound section, REHDER moved into the right land. A 1998 Toyota Corolla driven by STEVEN W. OTT, age 30, from Ellensburg, Washington had been following the pickup for several miles and remained in the left southbound lane. As the Toyota started moving alongside the pickup, it clipped the pickup's left rear corner causing the pickup to slide sideways and spin across the northbound lanes where it flipped onto its top as it left the pavement.
REHDER was entangled in his safety belt but managed to free himself and crawl through the back window. He then collapsed and suffered a seizure while citizens who stopped at the crash scene were helping take care of him.
REHDER was transported by Air Link helicopter to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend where he is in critical condition. Chemult EMS provided medical care prior to air transport. Highway 97 was closed about 30 minutes to evacuate him.
OTT was not injured. Fatigue may be a contributing factor and he was cited for Careless Driving.
Both drivers were using safety restraints.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Chemult Rural Fire Protection District and ODOT,
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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