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.