Photo from the scene by Washington County Sheriff’s Office
GALES CREEK – The Oregon State Police (OSP) have said that Saturday morning’s fatal crash involved five teenagers.
According to OSP, a black 2012 Kia Soul was travelling eastbound on Highway 6 near mile post 42, close to the Gales Creek Shell station, when it drifted off the highway, striking a large tree.
It is not yet known why the vehicle left the road. No other vehicles were involved.
The first dispatch for emergency personnel came in just after 7 a.m.
The vehicle was down a 35 -40 foot embankment, according to Metro West Ambulance, and prompted a technical rescue using Stokes baskets and a rope system to bring the patients out of the vehicle one at a time. At least two of the crash victims had to be cut out of the vehicle.
A second, unrelated non-injury crash occurred a few miles west of the initial fatal crash near mile post 37 around 8 a.m., further snarling traffic in the area until that crash could be cleared as well.
Four teenagers were transported to Portland area hospitals; one passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following the crash, the highway was closed for more than four hours. According to ODOT spokesperson Lou Torres, the highway reopened around 12:10 p.m.
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Metro West Ambulance, Banks Fire District 13, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and OSP all responded to the scene of the crash.
Names of those involved are not being released at this time.
This article has been updated with additional information regarding the highway closure.
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.
