String of violent crashes in Baker & Harney counties a reminder to drive safely on icy roads
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, December 21st, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON — Three recent separate crashes that occurred on icy roads are serving as reminders to always drive safely during winter conditions.
Two of the crashes occurred recently in Baker County and both involved young children being hospitalized. The other crash occurred in Harney County and ended with a teen losing her life.
The first occurred on December 18 on Highway 86 near milepost 7. A female driver of a gray Cadillac SUV attempted to pass a gray Toyota Camry when the vehicle encountered icy road conditions. The SUV slid uncontrollably, colliding with the Camry on the driver’s side. Subsequently, the SUV rolled 2-3 times before coming to an uncontrolled rest on its wheels, facing the wrong direction. The Camry, on the other hand, rolled at least once and rested on its side after descending an embankment.
All three occupants of the SUV – which included a one-year-old and four-year-old – were transported to St. Alphonsus Hospital in Baker City by ambulance, while the Camry driver was taken to the hospital by her husband. The driver of the SUV received a warning for unsafe passing on the left.
In another incident the same day on Highway 30 near Haines, the OSP responded to a single-vehicle injury crash involving a red SUV. The female driver, attempting to seek help during a medical emergency, was driving too fast for the icy conditions. The SUV left the roadway, rolled at least once, and ended up upside down in a ditch. All three occupants – which included a one-year-old – were transported to the hospital by ambulance.
On December 19, around 7:45 a.m., OSP responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 78 near milepost 11 in Harney County. The preliminary investigation revealed that a Ford Ranger operated by 19-year-old Gwendallen Koepke of Princeton left the westbound shoulder, rolling multiple times before coming to rest on its top. Koepke, not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected during the rollover event.
Despite being transported to a local hospital, Koepke succumbed to her injuries and died. The presence of ice patches in the area suggested that road conditions might have been a contributing factor.
These incidents underscore the importance of exercising caution and adjusting driving behavior during adverse weather conditions. Everyone is urged to stay informed about road conditions and prioritize safety to prevent further accidents.
