KLAMATH COUNTY, OR - The Oregon State Police is reporting that on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., OSP responded to a commercial motor vehicle versus passenger vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 193, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Juan Ochoa Bravo (39) of Bend, was traveling northbound when it lost control and slid into the southbound travel lane.
A southbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Iskanyan Avetis Vardani (56) of Los Angeles (CA), attempted to avoid the Chrysler by swerving off the southbound shoulder of the highway. The front passenger side of the Chrysler collided with the front end of the Peterbilt causing significant damage and sending the Chrsyler spinning across the northbound lane.
The operator of the Chrysler (Juan Ochoa Bravo), Eve Saldana Alcantar (37), Erik Ochoa Saldana (18), a female juvenile (15), and a male infant (1) were declared deceased at the scene.
An additional female juvenile (11) passenger was transported to a local medical center with critical injuries.
The operator of the Peterbilt (Vardani) was reportedly not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Roadway conditions and several passengers not wearing proper safety restraints are primary factors in the crash.
OSP was assisted by Crescent Fire and ODOT.
About the Oregon State PoliceOregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
