<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Thursday, March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Vancouver man crashes tractor-trailer into river

By Marissa Harshman, Columbian Health Reporter
Published: January 27, 2011, 12:00am

A Vancouver man crashed a tractor-trailer into the Calapooia River north of Brownsville, Ore., Wednesday morning.

Patrick W. Smith, 54, received minor injuries in the crash and was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.

The crash occurred at about 11:25 a.m. on Interstate 5 south near Milepost 221, which is about 5 miles north of the Brownsville exit. Smith was driving a 1995 Freightliner with no trailer attached, according to Oregon State Police.

Smith was southbound in the right lane of I-5 when for an unknown reason he lost control of the truck, crossed through the center median and entered the northbound lanes. He then swerved back into the median, continuing south for about 50 yards before colliding with a culvert, according to police.

The impact sent the tractor airborne. The tractor cleared the culvert wall by 5 to 8 feet and continued in the air for about 25 yards. The truck landed on the north bank of the Calapooia River between the northbound and southbound bridges. The truck continued down the bank 10 to 15 yards before coming to rest about 10 feet into the river with its front tires completely submerged, according to police. Smith was able to exit the truck and was transported to the hospital.

Smith was cited for failing to maintain his lane of travel, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and the federal motor carrier regulation of possessing a controlled substance in a commercial motor vehicle, according to OSP.

A hazardous spill team was dispatched to the scene. No hazardous materials were released into the river, according to police.

Loading...
Columbian Health Reporter