A tragic accident yesterday left one person dead and an Oregon Transportation Department employee in critical condition.
Tragedy on I-84: Motorist Killed While Receiving Roadside Assistance
The accident yesterday afternoon along I-84 near Arlington, Oregon shut the highway down for several hours.
Deadly I-84 Crash Raises Safety Concerns After Vehicle Strikes ODOT Work Truck
Gilliam County Sheriff’s Deputies responded at 2:39 PM after a 911 call received multiple reports of a serious motor vehicle crash involving several vehicles and pedestrians.
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According to reports, an Oregon Department of Transportation employee stopped to help change a tire near milepost 122 for a disabled vehicle along the roadside (14 miles west of Arlington).
The ODOT vehicle was positioned on the shoulder of the roadway with its amber warning lights activated and an illuminated reader board displaying an arrow directing approaching traffic into the far lane.
Sadly, while the ODOT employee was assisting the motorist, a vehicle traveling along the highway struck the ODOT vehicle in the rear and subsequently struck both the ODOT employee and the motorist.
The ODOT employee received critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital, while the driver of the disabled vehicle sadly passed away at the scene of the accident.
The Oregon State Police are leading the investigation. No names have been released for the victims or suspect, as this investigation is still ongoing.
The highway was closed for several hours during the investigation.
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Gallery Credit: Rik Mikals