Because the vehicle crashed down an embankment, patients have to be brought up one at a time in a ‘stokes basket’ using a rope system. Photo: Forest Grove Fire & Rescue
GALES CREEK – A single-vehicle fatal crash near the Gales Creek Shell station on Saturday morning has resulted in a host of Metro West ambulances and rescue vehicles from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue responding to the scene.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Bob Ray has confirmed that one patient has died.
According to Forest Grove Fire & Rescue spokesperson Matt Johnston, A single car is down an embankment, prompting a technical rescue for two patients, who must be cut from the vehicle.
Four others were injured in the crash.
The Oregon Department of Transportation says that the highway is closed.
A second, unrelated non-injury crash occurred a few miles west of the initial fatal crash near mile post 37 about 45 minutes after the initial crash, further snarling traffic in the area. Forest Grove Fire & Rescue advised that delays should be expected throughout the area.
This is a developing story.
Chas Hundley is the editor of the Gales Creek Journal and sister news publications the Banks Post and the Salmonberry Magazine. He grew up in Gales Creek and has a cat.
