On December 23, 2021, a tragic multiple vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 5 (I-5) near Albany, Oregon, killing at least seven people and injuring several others. The incident involved two semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle, which was identified as a FedEx van by some news sources.
According to Oregon State Police, the crash occurred on the northbound lanes of I-5, approximately seven miles north of Albany, a city situated between Salem and Eugene. The accident happened at around 2:05 p.m. and led to the closure of the northbound lanes for several hours, causing significant traffic disruption. A detour was set up, and emergency responders, including police, fire officials, and medical personnel, were deployed to the scene.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation, although poor visibility resulting from wildfire smoke has been considered as a possible factor, according to some local media. However, Oregon State Police have not confirmed this information yet. The details of how the crash occurred are not yet clear, but preliminary reports suggest that a van carrying six people rear-ended a stopped semi-truck due to an earlier crash. The impact pushed the semi-truck into another one, and both caught fire. The van was then hit by another vehicle.
The crash caused visible damage to the involved vehicles, with a blue tarp placed over the wrecked van to block the view of the scene while the investigation was conducted. The Marion County medical examiner also attended the site, and bodies could be seen covered in plastic in a nearby field. Emergency responders and law enforcement officers were visibly affected by the incident, and witnesses described the scene as “heartbreaking.” Life Flight helicopters were called to airlift some patients, while others were treated on the ground.
I-5 is the main north-south interstate highway on the West Coast, connecting the states of California, Oregon, and Washington, and is currently undergoing an upgrade to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging points and other clean transportation infrastructure. The accident occurred in an agricultural area, approximately 70 miles south of Portland, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly during the holiday season, when many people travel to visit family and friends. It also underscores the need to invest in modern and safe transportation infrastructure to ensure the safety of all road users.
In conclusion, the multiple vehicle crash on I-5 near Albany, Oregon, that killed at least seven people and injured several others is a tragic reminder of the need for improved road safety and modern transportation infrastructure. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims.
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