UPDATE: Driver who went into the river cited for DUII

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories More Top Stories

BIGGS JUNCTION – The Oregon State Police reports the driver of the box truck that went into the Columbia River on Interstate 84 westbound at milepost 100 Thursday was driving under the influence of intoxicants.

The troopers reported that the driver ran into the rear of a semi-truck/trailer, lost control and crashed into the Columbia River.

“The driver was able to free herself and made it to shore with only minor injuries,” OSP Capt. Kyle Kennedy wrote in an email. “The driver displayed signs of impairment and was assessed for DUII (driving under the influence of intoxicants).”

Kennedy said she was cited and released for driving under the influence, reckless driving and reckless endangering.

Updated at 3:08 p.m. 10/27/23

Posted earlier:

WASCO COUNTY – (Release from ODOT ODOT): Expect delays tomorrow on I-84 westbound near Biggs Junction. Westbound travelers on I-84 tomorrow, Oct. 27 should expect some delays near Biggs Junction as crews will be working to recover a vehicle that crashed there earlier today. The crash happened at milepost 100.

The right lane will be closed for tow trucks, and a rolling slowdown may be used to help give roadside workers space. A rolling slowdown is when traffic control vehicles will hold traffic to a steady but slow pace to allow crews ahead to work safely.

Crews plan to start work at 7:30 a.m. and expect that the recovery could take a few hours to complete.

Tripcheck.com will be up to date with impacts to traffic throughout the recovery.
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(Information from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office) This morning at approximately 10a.m Wasco County 911 received multiple reports of a delivery truck that had gone into the Columbia River. The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police responded as well as Mid Columbia Fire & Rescue, Umatilla Fire (in the area for training) and ODOT. No serious injuries were reported.

Please be mindful of changing conditions as cold weather approaches, and travel the Gorge safely!