Wasco County, Ore. – On July 2nd at about 2:00PM, OSP Troopers and emergency crews responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on HWY 97 near milepost 69.
According to Senior Trooper Tim Holbrook, a 2008 Toyota Tundra operated by 38 year old Eduardo MARTINEZ-PURECO, of Fallbrook, CA, was traveling northbound on HWY 97 when it crossed over the center line. Approaching in the southbound lane was a 1998 Freightliner tractor pulling a trailer operated by 41 year old Ujjager SINGH of Manteca, California. SINGH swerved to avoid a head-on collision, but the Toyota struck the rear wheels of the tractor and collided with the trailer before coming to rest in the highway. The tractor trailer combination exited the highway and rolled onto its side.
MARTINEZ-PURECO was taken by air ambulance to Saint Charles Bend with serious injuries. MARTINEZ-PURECO’s four passengers, all relatives, were taken by ground ambulance to Saint Charles Madras for various degrees of injuries. SINGH was not injured.
The highway was closed for about an hour and a half while the investigation was conducted and the vehicles removed. MARTINEZ-PURECO was later cited for Careless Driving. OSP was assisted on scene by Jefferson County Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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