Multi-vehicle crash blocks highway near hot springs; three injured
By Mindy McKerrall on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY-A multi-vehicle accident on Highway 78 West near the Hot Springs turnoff left three people injured and caused significant traffic delays on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency crews responded to the two-vehicle collision at approximately 4:06 p.m. on June 28, after a passerby witnessed the crash and alerted 911.
The Incident
According to emergency dispatch logs, the crash occurred when a grey Ford Fusion traveling westbound struck a van. Witnesses on the scene reported that the collision happened as vehicles ahead were attempting to turn into the nearby Hot Springs area.
The impact left the Ford Fusion blocking the left lane of Highway 78, leaking radiator fluid onto the roadway.
Casualties and Injuries
First responders treated three individuals at the scene:
- The Driver of the Ford Fusion: A 78-year-old female who was conscious, responsive, and able to follow commands, but suffered injuries to her left leg, hand, foot, and wrist. First responders noted she has an advanced spinal cord implant, causing heightened concern for back pain following the impact.
- The Driver of the Van: A male occupant who was found on the ground favoring his chest. He was treated for abdominal pain, minor arm pain, and a light concussion.
- The Passenger in the Van: A second male occupant who sustained soreness to his right leg but was otherwise uninjured.
Emergency logs confirmed that despite the heavy damage to the vehicles, no occupants were thrown from the cars, and everyone was free of the wreckage by the time paramedics arrived.
Emergency Response
Medics and local law enforcement arrived within minutes of the dispatch. At 4:58 p.m., an ambulance transported the injured female driver to Harney District Hospital (HDH).
The highway was partially blocked for nearly two hours while crews worked to clear the scene. The Ford Fusion was successfully towed and removed from the highway by 5:42 p.m., though Oregon State Police remained on-site into the evening to complete the investigation and manage remaining traffic hazards.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by state authorities.
