On September 24, 2015 at about 08:10AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a multiple vehicle crash on Highway 47 just north of Gaston.
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2005 BMW X5 sport utility was traveling northbound on Highway 47 when it crossed over the center line and struck a southbound 1982 Ford Truck loaded with corn head-on. The truck then struck a northbound 2010 Subaru Legacy and rolled over on top of it.
The driver of the BMW, Sarah K RIFFEL, age 27, of Carlton, was taken by air ambulance to Oregon Health and Science University with life threatening injuries. The driver of the Subaru, Joy C GEPHART, age 34, of Yamhill, was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center by ground ambulance for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford truck, Richard A BESSEY, age 54, of Dallas and was taken by private vehicle to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
The highway was closed for over five hours to allow cleanup of approximately 50 gallons of spilled diesel, allow cleanup of the spilled corn on the highway and conduct the investigation. OSP was assisted by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Forest Grove Police Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The investigation is continuing and more information will be released when it is available. OSP believes several persons witnessed and stopped at the crash scene but left prior to being interviewed. OSP is requesting any persons who may have witnessed the crash to call 503-375-3555.
***End Update***
Previous Release:
OSP Troopers and emergency personnel are on scene of a three vehicle crash on Highway 47 just north of Gaston in Washington County. Preliminary information indicates a sport utility vehicle crossed into the path of an oncoming semi truck. After the vehicles collided head-on, the truck then collided with a third passenger vehicle. Multiple patients have been taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Highway 47 at that location will be closed for several hours while the investigation is being conducted. Traffic is being detoured until the highway opens. OSP has information several persons witnessed and stopped at the crash scene but left prior to being interviewed. OSP is requesting any persons who may have witnessed the crash to call 503-375-3555.
More information will be released when it becomes available.
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2005 BMW X5 sport utility was traveling northbound on Highway 47 when it crossed over the center line and struck a southbound 1982 Ford Truck loaded with corn head-on. The truck then struck a northbound 2010 Subaru Legacy and rolled over on top of it.
The driver of the BMW, Sarah K RIFFEL, age 27, of Carlton, was taken by air ambulance to Oregon Health and Science University with life threatening injuries. The driver of the Subaru, Joy C GEPHART, age 34, of Yamhill, was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center by ground ambulance for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford truck, Richard A BESSEY, age 54, of Dallas and was taken by private vehicle to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
The highway was closed for over five hours to allow cleanup of approximately 50 gallons of spilled diesel, allow cleanup of the spilled corn on the highway and conduct the investigation. OSP was assisted by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Forest Grove Police Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The investigation is continuing and more information will be released when it is available. OSP believes several persons witnessed and stopped at the crash scene but left prior to being interviewed. OSP is requesting any persons who may have witnessed the crash to call 503-375-3555.
***End Update***
Previous Release:
OSP Troopers and emergency personnel are on scene of a three vehicle crash on Highway 47 just north of Gaston in Washington County. Preliminary information indicates a sport utility vehicle crossed into the path of an oncoming semi truck. After the vehicles collided head-on, the truck then collided with a third passenger vehicle. Multiple patients have been taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Highway 47 at that location will be closed for several hours while the investigation is being conducted. Traffic is being detoured until the highway opens. OSP has information several persons witnessed and stopped at the crash scene but left prior to being interviewed. OSP is requesting any persons who may have witnessed the crash to call 503-375-3555.
More information will be released when it becomes available.