OSP IDs drivers in Hwy. 20 crash near Santiam Jct.
A two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 20 west of Santiam Pass sent six people to the hospital on Christmas Day and closed the slick, snow-packed road for about three hours, Oregon State Police reported.
The crash occurred shortly after 10 a.m. near milepost 77, just east of Santiam Junction, according to OSP Lt. Bill Fugate.
Preliminary information indicated a 2003 Chevy Tahoe driven by Maria Sandoval, 42, of Salem, was heading east when she lost control on the icy road and her SIV crossed the center line, striking a westbound 2005 Dodge pickup truck nearly head-on, Fugate said.
One of the passing motorists, a doctor, stopped and provided first aid before medical personnel arrived.
Sandoval’s SUV had four passengers, all of whom were taken to St. Charles Bend for treatment of injuries. The pickup was driven by Richard Barge, 44, accompanied by Kimberly Barge, 40, both of Terrebonne, both with non-life-threatening injuries, Fugate said.
A house supervisor at the hospital said Saturday the Barges were treated and released.
The crash and investigation closed the highway until shortly after 1 p.m., causing long backups of holiday travelers.
Weather-related closures and delays continue to occur around the state, the result of recent storms. Be sure to check TripCheck at our link before heading out, or when checking routes for others hitting the road.
