Utah Man Killed in Fiery Crash in La Grande
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, September 18th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE – (Update 9/18/23)
Oregon State Police confirms the driver of the truck was Victor Lee Jones (62) of St. George, Utah. The semi-truck he was driving crashed through a fence and struck a tree. The impact caused the truck to catch fire and become fully engulfed. The fire spread to a barn and the local fire departments responded to extinguish the fire.
Jones died at the scene. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Previously Posted
The La Grande Fire Department have confirmed that the driver of the semi-truck, which left the highway and collided with a property on the corner of North 4th Street and Lake Avenue on September 16, did not survive the incident.
The LGFD also stated that, prior the fire breaking out, the truck had struck multiple trees, a fence, and finally came to rest adjacent to a barn on the property. Exposer damage was reported to an RV and car parked nearby. In total, 25 firefighters were involved, with responding agencies including the La Grande Fire Department, La Grande Rural Fire Protection District, Elgin Rural Fire Protection District, Elgin Ambulance Services, La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police.
Further updates on the crash will be posted as information is released.
Previously Posted: Multiple emergency vehicles responded to a fire in La Grande over the weekend. ODOT reported a crash on Saturday that occurred on I-84 just before noon, and a wildfire was reported shortly thereafter. Witnesses near the scene say it appears a semi-truck left the freeway and collided with private property, starting a fire.
The incident was reported near the corner of Lake and 4th. No additional information has been released.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED: (Saturday, 12:20 p.m. from ODOT): A vehicle fire has occurred causing minimal delay to traffic. Prepare to slow or move over for worker safety.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED (Saturday): Multiple emergency vehicles are responding to a fire in La Grande. ODOT reports that a crash has occurred on I-84 at 11:56 a.m., and a wildfire was reported shortly thereafter at 12:01 p.m. Witnesses near the scene says it appears a semi truck left the freeway and collided with private property, starting a fire.
The incident is reportedly near the corner of Lake and 4th. People are asked to stay away from the area. Yield to emergency vehicles and stay posted, we’ll provide official updates as they come in.
