MALHEUR COUNTY, OR - On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at approximately 12:20 P.M., the Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a two-vehicle crash on HWY-20, near milepost 237, in Malheur County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Mercedes SUV, operated by Christina Cheryl Shane-Contarino (75) of Yreka (CA), was negotiating a curve when it crossed over the center line into the on-coming lane of travel.
A westbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle, operated by Hijinio A Hernandez (34) of Ontario, attempted to avoid a collision with the Mercedes but was unable to do so.
The vehicles collided head-on in the westbound lane, sending the Peterbilt into a nearby cornfield and the Mercedes onto the shoulder of the roadway.
The operator of the Mercedes (Shane-Contarino) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Peterbilt was reportedly uninjured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is being investigated.
OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff's Office, Vale Fire and Ambulance, and ODOT.
