SERIOUS INJURY COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH I-5 NEAR WOODBURN
News Release from Oregon State Police
Posted on FlashAlert: October 15th, 2019 8:43 PM
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Tuesday afternoon’s crash involving two Commercial Motor Vehicles on I-5 near Woodburn.
On Tuesday October 15, 2019 at about 3:57 PM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a serious injury crash involving two Commercial Motor Vehicles on I-5 southbound at about milepost 273.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a Volvo Truck and Semi-trailer, operated by Gagandeep SINGH, age 24, from California, was southbound on I-5 and pulled to the shoulder due to smoke coming from under the truck. Gagandeep SINGH and his passenger, Baljit SINGH, age 38, from California, exited the truck and discovered that it was on fire.
A Freightliner Truck and Semi-trailer, operated by Rex HOLLOPETER, age 51, from Salem, was southbound in the far right lane when it sideswiped the Volvo Truck and Semi-Trailer. The Freightliner Truck and Semi-trailer caught fire and came to rest blocking all southbound lanes of the freeway. Both Commercial Motor Vehicles ultimately burned after the crash.
HOLLOPETER was transported by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland for serious injuries. Both Gagandeep SINGH and Baljit SINGH were outside of their truck and were uninjured.
Southbound lanes of I-5 are expected to be closed indefinitely until ODOT personnel can assess the damage to the roadway.
OSP was assisted by Woodburn Fire and Medics, Aurora Fire Department, Hubbard Fire Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, Woodburn Police Department and ODOT.
Photographs provided by OSP.
