Two semi tractor-trailer trucks collided head-on and burst into flames on south Highway 97 near Romaine Village Way on Wednesday afternoon, killing both drivers and prompting a road closure which lasted several hours.

The two semi trucks were fully engulfed in flames and the southbound lanes were completely blocked when Bend Police and Fire personnel arrived on the scene at the south end of Bend about 3:30 p.m. November 1, according to Bend Police Lt. Ken Stenkamp.

Bend Fire Batallion Chief Dave Howe said several vehicle tires were exploding, and that an adjacent business was evacuated as a precautionary measure.  “Firefighters were concerned with overhead electric lines, the possibility of hazardous materials on board, hazardous waste run-off from firefighting operations, and the possibility of fire spreading to adjacent properties,” added Howe.

Both drivers, the sole occupants of the vehicles, died in the crash.  Their identities were released late Thursday morning following notification of next of kin.  41-year old Richard D. Woodworth of Oldtown, Idaho; and Ronald R. Engelsman, 60, from Hayward, Wisconsin were deceased at the scene.

Photo courtesy of Bend Police.

According to a news release issued by the Bend Police Department, preliminary investigation determined the southbound 2006 Freightliner driven by Engelsman and owned by Rands Trucking, was in the slow lane when Woodworth’s northbound 2007 Peterbuilt (registered to Produce Supply Express) crossed the centerline and hit it head-on.

Another collision occurred when a southbound pickup stopped quickly to avoid the crash and was struck from behind by another semi tractor trailer.  No one was injured in the secondary collision, said Stenkamp.

Traffic was limited to one lane in each direction and the clean-up continued into early Thursday morning.

The crash investigation by the Bend Police Department assisted by Oregon State Police is ongoing.

• Wow. The city of bend should consider lowering the speed limit to 35mph along that stretch of 97.
(Posted on November 6, 2006, 11:23 am uo4life)