Albany, Ore .- Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into yesterday’s fatal traffic crash on highway 99E at milepost 21 in Linn County.
Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 6:00 P.M., a Silver Pontiac Grand Am, was driving northbound in the southbound lane on highway 99E near milepost 21 when it collided head-on with a black, Mazda MZ3, which was southbound. A black Ford Edge, traveling southbound behind the Mazda, collided with the Pontiac in a second impact after the head-on with the Mazda.
The driver of the Pontiac, identified as NANCY L. CAVALO, age 66, of Halsey, was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis by ground ambulance where she was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the the Ford, identified as RICHARD J. OLSON, age 55, from Junction City, was seriously injured and transported to Albany Hospital then transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis. A pregnant female in the Mazda was transported to River Bend Hospital in Springfield where she was treated and released.
The investigation is ongoing and the reason why the Pontiac was not in its lane is undetermined. Troopers believe limited visibility due to darkness and foggy conditions may have played a factor in this crash.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Linn County Sheriff’s Department, Albany Police Department, Albany Fire Department, Halsey Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Traffic was impacted in the area for approximately 6 hours while emergency crews investigated then removed the wreck.
OSP wants to remind all drivers to operate their vehicles with an abundance of caution during weather events which reduce visibility. Decreasing speed and limiting distractions during night hours or foggy times is the best policy when traveling during these times.
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