Update: The Ford's driver was the victim in this crash and was deceased at the scene. Positive identification is pending and won't be released until authorized by the Polk County Medical Examiner.
***
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Monday night's two vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred on Highway 18 about seventeen miles east of Otis in Polk County. The victim's name is withheld pending positive identification.
According to Lieutenant Justin McGladrey, on June 23, 2014 at approximately 11:16 p.m., a 1997 Ford Escort was traveling eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 18. For an unconfirmed reason, the Ford Escort crossed the centerline and collided with a westbound Mercedes sport utility vehicle occupied by two people. The Ford Escort was split into two sections and both vehicles caught fire.
The two occupants of the Mercedes got out of the Mercedes on their own and were later transported by ground ambulance to Salem Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. They are identified as male driver AMNATA RATSASACK, age 52, and female passenger NELAVANH BOUNKETH, age 48, both from Happy Valley.
The fire also spread to the side of the highway. The fire to both vehicles and along the highway was extinguished by responding firefighters.
OSP troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Polk County Sheriff's Office, West Valley Fire District, Sheridan Fire District, Polk County Medical Examiner, Polk County District Attorney's Office, and ODOT.
After the highway was opened, it was restricted to one lane of travel. Total duration of closure and lane restriction was over five hours.
No photographs for release at this time.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
***
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Monday night's two vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred on Highway 18 about seventeen miles east of Otis in Polk County. The victim's name is withheld pending positive identification.
According to Lieutenant Justin McGladrey, on June 23, 2014 at approximately 11:16 p.m., a 1997 Ford Escort was traveling eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 18. For an unconfirmed reason, the Ford Escort crossed the centerline and collided with a westbound Mercedes sport utility vehicle occupied by two people. The Ford Escort was split into two sections and both vehicles caught fire.
The two occupants of the Mercedes got out of the Mercedes on their own and were later transported by ground ambulance to Salem Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. They are identified as male driver AMNATA RATSASACK, age 52, and female passenger NELAVANH BOUNKETH, age 48, both from Happy Valley.
The fire also spread to the side of the highway. The fire to both vehicles and along the highway was extinguished by responding firefighters.
OSP troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Polk County Sheriff's Office, West Valley Fire District, Sheridan Fire District, Polk County Medical Examiner, Polk County District Attorney's Office, and ODOT.
After the highway was opened, it was restricted to one lane of travel. Total duration of closure and lane restriction was over five hours.
No photographs for release at this time.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###