Crash, Gales Creek, Hwy 6

Crash on Highway 6 results in The Dalles resident’s death

A Life Flight helicopter lands on Highway 6 on July 26, 2021. Photo: Forest Grove Fire & Rescue

Highway 6 was closed for most of Monday morning following a fatal crash near the Coast Range summit west of Glenwood.

According to Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, the crash occurred near mile marker 33 around 6:50 a.m. Monday. 

Two vehicles were involved in the crash, the Oregon State Police said in a press release.

A preliminary investigation by OSP showed that Monico Barajas-Rojas, 70, of The Dalles, was driving east in a green 2007 Honda CRV when he crossed into the westbound lane while on a curve.

There, Barajas-Rojas struck a blue 2018 Dodge pickup. Barajas-Rojas’ passenger, Emilia Barajas, 61, also of The Dalles, was located in the right-front passenger seat and died at the scene after suffering fatal injuries.

The driver of the 2018 Dodge pickup, a Gaston resident, was not injured.

One patient was transported by Life Flight Network, with a helicopter landing on the highway to transport a patient to a trauma hospital with serious injuries. 

Highway 6 was closed for about five hours. 

Also aiding on scene were Metro West Ambulance, Banks Fire District, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office.

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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.

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