UMATILLA COUNTY, OR - On Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 12:35 PM, Oregon State Troopers from the Pendleton area command responded to a multi-vehicle crash, with at least one commercial motor vehicle fully engulfed in flames, on westbound I-84, near milepost 227.
The Troopers arrived on scene and determined the crash involved at least seventeen separate vehicles. Three of the involved vehicles were completely destroyed by fire; including two Commercial Motor Vehicles and one passenger car.
One motorist was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and life flighted to Kadlec Hospital in Washington, while several other motorists suffered minor injuries.
The interstate was closed for approximately 8 hours as the vehicles were removed and the area restored to allow safe travel.
The preliminary investigation determined the contributing factors to the crash were limited visibility due to fog and vehicle speed.
OSP is encouraging motorists to driver slower when visibility is limited or roadway conditions merit reduced speeds.
OSP was assisted by CTUIR PD, Fire, and Ambulance, Pendleton Fire and Ambulance, the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Echo Fire Department, and ODOT.
