SEMI TRUCK CRASHES ON INTERSTATE 5 AND INTO RIVER NORTH OF BROWNSVILLE
Posted: January 26th, 2011 7:27 PM
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Oregon State Police (OSP) Troopers respond to a single vehicle injury crash this morning on Interstate 5 at 11:25 a.m. near mile point 221, approximately 5 miles north of the Brownsville/Halsey exits.
The crash involved a semi-tractor (no trailer) driven by 54-year old Patrick W. Smith of Vancouver Washington.
According to Tpr. Don Rummer, Mr. Smith was driving a 1995 Freightliner southbound on Interstate 5 in the right-hand lane. Mr. Smith had just passed under the Boston Mill overpass when for an unknown reason; he lost control of his vehicle, crossed through the center median, and then entered both northbound lanes. Mr. Smith then swerved back into the median, continuing south for about 50 yards when he collided with a culvert. At this point he became air-borne, clearing the culvert wall by 5 to 8 feet and continued air-borne for approximately 25 yards until he touched down on the north bank of the Calapooia River in-between the northbound and southbound bridges. The vehicle continued down the bank another 10 – 15 yards where it came to rest about 10 feet into the river with its front tires completely submerged.
The driver was able to exit his vehicle. He was later transported to Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with minor injuries. Mr. Smith was cited for: Failing to maintain his lane of travel, Possession of less then one ounce of marijuana and the Federal Motor Carrier Regulation of Possessing a Controlled Substance in a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
A hazardous material spill team was dispatched to the scene in order to contain any contaminants that might enter the waterway during the recovery of the vehicle.
No hazardous materials were released into the river from the vehicle during the crash or during the vehicle recovery.
OSP Troopers from the Albany Area Command are continuing the investigation. They were assisted on scene by ODOT, Linn Co. Sheriff's Office, Shedd-Halsey Fire Dept. and Albany EMS.
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