BURNS, Ore. -- A woman died and her husband was seriously injured after a semi-truck pulling two trailers crashed into their pickup truck near Burns.
The semi-truck was loaded with cardboard bales when it tried to pass the pickup truck in a no passing zone on Highway 20, according to Sgt. Brian Williams with Oregon State Police. Then, the driver of the pickup tried to turn left, apparently not realizing the semi-truck was passing, and the two vehicles collided.
“Both vehicles traveled off the south side of Highway 20 where they struck an abandoned motel, several trees, and an unoccupied pickup parked at a next-door residence,” Williams said.
A 59-year-old woman inside the pickup died at the scene and her 68-year-old husband was seriously injured, Williams said. Their names have not yet been released, pending notification of relatives.
The husband was trapped inside the pickup for 90 minutes and had to be cut out by firefighters. Then, he was rushed to Harney District Hospital where officials said he was expected to survive.
Rey Solis, 50, of Eugene, was driving the semi-truck and suffered only minor injuries. He was working for Leavitt's Freight Service Inc. out of Springfield.
The crash occurred just after 7 p.m., Tuesday, along Highway 20, about 22 miles east of Burns.
Police have not yet said whether Solis will be cited in the crash.
