Police are investigating to determine the cause of a three-vehicle crash on Highway 30 that resulted in the death of a Longview, Washington man and serious-to-critical injuries to three other persons early Sunday morning.
According to a news release prepared by Oregon State Police (OSP), the accident occurred about 12:30 a.m., January 27, about one mile west of the Lewis and Clark Bridge on Highway 30 near milepost 51.
The driver of the Chevy (above) was killed and his passenger critically injured after it swerved into oncoming traffic and struck the Mazda (below). Both passengers in the Mazda suffered serious injuries. A third vehicle struck the Mazda, but the driver was unharmed. - OSP photos
Preliminary investigations suggests that a Chevrolet Lumina traveling east suddenly swerved into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck a Mazda Miata. A Dodge Neon following the Miata was unable to avoid colliding with the Miata.
The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as Stephen Wilkins, 45, of Longview Washington. He was pronounced deceased at the scene, OSP said. His passenger, Vickie Alfonso, 48, also of Longview, was critically injured and originally transported to St. Johns Medical Center, then was later transferred to Oregon Health Science University.
Troopers believe that neither occupants of the Chevrolet were wearing seat belts.
Randall Haak, a 52-year old Rainier resident, and his passenger in the Miata, Rebecca Haak, 47, were transported to St. Johns Medical Center with reportedly serious injuries. The Haaks were using safety restraints, troopers said.
The driver of the Dodge Neon escaped injury and drove her vehicle home. She was identified as Cheryl Mitchell, 42, of Rainier.
Highway 30 was closed to traffic for about four hours, troopers said, and the investigation is continuing.