Speed to blame in single-vehicle fatal crash
By Terry Murry on Monday, October 16th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – The Hermiston Police Department reports one person was killed and two others were seriously injured in a crash on the 700 block of East Main Street just past midnight on Monday morning.
Police say that Jose Angel Padilla Canare, 22, who was believed to be the driver, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Passengers Santos Altamirano Lopez, 19, and Axel Flores Salas, 20 sustained serious injuries and were taken to regional hospitals via Life Flight.
HPD reports that when they arrived at the scene at 12:46 a.m., the 2001 Honda Civic was on fire and the three individuals inside it had either been ejected or removed. The investigation indicates the Honda left the roadway at a high rate of speed after failing to negotiate the corner. The car then struck a tree and rolled until it came to rest upside down. At that point, it caught fire.
Lt. Robert Guerrero reports the officer believes excessive speed was to blame for the crash, and no other vehicles or individuals are thought to have been a factor.
This is an active investigation. Anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact the Hermiston police.
Photo from the Hermiston Police Department
