China Hat crash update: Three teens critical, driver charged

(Update: Clarifying that teen had provisional driver’s license, accused of violating provisions)

A 16-year-old Bend boy is accused of speeding and driving recklessly when an extended-cab pickup carrying eight teens left China Hat Road southeast of Bend Friday afternoon and slammed head-on into a juniper tree, authorities said. Three of the teens were still in critical condition Saturday night.

The teen, whose name has not been released, was among those released from the hospital, Sgt. William Bailey said. He was cited and released on two counts of third-degree assault, four counts of fourth-degree assault, seven counts of recklessly endangering another and one count of reckless driving.

Bailey clarified Thursday that the driver had a provisional driver’s license but was cited on a charge of violating those provisions. He had no further new information to provide, including conditions of the injured.

Oregon law does not allow a teen in the first six months with a provisional driver’s license to drive with a passenger under 20 who is not part of their immediate family. For the second six months, they cannot drive with more than three passengers under 20 years of age and not members of their immediate family.

Along with evidence that showed the driver was speeding and driving recklessly at the time of the crash, marijuana impairment is being investigated as a contributing factor, Bailey said in a news release.

The 2001 Ford F-350 crew-cab pickup was heading northwest, toward Bend, when the crash occurred shortly before 3 p.m. Friday near milepost 13, about four miles out from where the paved road turns to gravel, the sergeant said.

The five boys and three girls in the pickup, ages 15 to 17, are students at Marshall or Mountain View high schools, Bailey said.

At the time of the crash, only three of the people in the truck cab were wearing seat belts. An eighth teen was riding in the bed of the pickup and was thrown during the crash, the sergeant said.

Bailey also said the sheriff’s office “would like to thank the quick response and efforts of the U.S. Forest Service firefighters who were in the area (on patrol) and responded to the crash scene,” rendering initial first aid.

“Their quick medical aid, in conjunction with the AirLink and Life Flight air ambulances that responded to the scene, has ensured the best possible outcome from the crash,” he added.