UPDATE: Christmas crash injures 9, 7 critically
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 26th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
The following is a news release from the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office:
On December 25, 2023 at approximately 5 p.m. Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dispatch Center received reports of a crash involving multiple vehicles on Umatilla River Rd near Cooney Lane, outside of Hermiston, Oregon.
Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office and Umatilla County Fire District #1 were initially dispatched. Upon arrival, UCFD#1 immediately requested additional resources for a Mass Casualty Incident.
Oregon State Police, Hermiston Police, Umatilla Police and Stanfield Police responded. Multiple medical and fire personnel responded and worked to triage, extricate, and treat a total of 9 patients. Out of those 9 patients, 7 were critically injured (including 2 patients under the age of 10). Patients were transported to both Kadlec Medical Center and Good Shepherd Medical Center.
The preliminary investigation indicated three vehicles were involved. Vehicle #1 was traveling southbound on Umatilla River Road and struck vehicle #2 (which was heading northbound) at a high rate of speed. After the initial crash, vehicle #3 (traveling southbound) struck vehicle #2 while attempting to avoid vehicle #1. At this time in the investigation, the driver of vehicle #1 is suspected of being impaired. The investigation remains ongoing.
Posted earlier:
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office responded to a multiple-vehicle crash on Umatilla River Road near Cooney Lane on Christmas Day. UCSO reported initially that four vehicles were involved with six to eight people injured.
First responders from multiple agencies were on the scene a little before 6:30 p.m. Capt. Sterrin Ward reported that all of the injured were transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center.
Crash reconstruction experts rushed to the scene. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be posted when it is released.
We are also seeking details from the Oregon State Police regarding a crash on Interstate 82 near Umatilla on Christmas Eve. We have received unconfirmed reports that accident resulted in a casualty. It has been confirmed by other agencies that OSP is the lead agency in that incident. Updates will be posted as they are received.
