Crash Closes Hwy 20 Between Sweet Home, Lebanon

First responders work at a scene on Highway 20 where a two-car collision took place Wednesday evening. Photo by Sarah Brown

UPDATED July 4, 11:39 a.m.

Lebanon Fire District assisted other officials with a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20 near Santiam Terrace Road at 6:17 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound gray Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Scott Turner, 52, of Sweet Home, crossed several lanes of travel for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound blue Dodge Ram 2500, operated by William Drager, 34, of Sweet Home, head on.

The collision caused heavy damage to both vehicles and the gray Dodge 1500 became fully engulfed in flames shortly after the collision.

A witness said he was able to pull Turner from the vehicle as flames ensued, and the victim was subsequently transported with serious injuries to an area hospital. A 12-year-old passenger in the gray Dodge Ram was declared deceased at the scene.

Drager was also transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Oregon State Police led the investigation, with assistance from LFD, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation and Sweet Home Fire & Ambulance District.

 

 

 

A collision took place between two vehicles near milepost 21 on Wednesday afternoon, closing multiple lanes.

The Lebanon Fire District, Oregon State Police, Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Transportation were all on-site. LFD recommended drivers avoid the area and find an alternate route until the investigation is completed. 

According to witnesses, bystanders ran for a fire extinguisher to attempt to help and one man pulled a victim from the car.

Updates will be posted as they become available from official sources.