Hermiston woman escapes serious injury after rock crashes through windshield
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – A Hermiston woman escaped serious injury Saturday night after a rock slide on U.S. Highway 730 sent a chunk of boulder crashing through her windshield and onto her lap.
Jennifer Wylie was driving east of Hermiston at approximately 6:43 p.m. when the slide occurred, according to Oregon State Police. Despite the impact, Wylie walked away from the scene with only minor abrasions on her hand.
“I’m so incredibly thankful for our county’s first responders!” Wylie wrote in a Facebook post, thanking Umatilla County Fire District No. 1, Oregon State Police (OSP), and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Wylie reported feeling some soreness the following morning but otherwise remained uninjured. She is currently working with her insurance company to determine if the vehicle is a total loss.
The incident caused further disruptions as a second vehicle suffered a flat tire after driving through the debris field. Wylie’s car was towed from the scene.
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control while ODOT crews cleared the roadway.
Main Photo courtesy of Jennifer Wylie
Bottom Photos: Photo of rock courtesy of Jennifer Wylie. Cleanup photo courtesy of ODOT.
