Trees fall on Hwy. 22E; crash injures Salem driver
A Salem man was injured Monday morning when his van crashed into a large tree that had fallen onto Hwy. 22E just east of Salem, one of several downed trees that triggered crashes in the area, Oregon State Police reported.
Troopers said the highway was blocked for over an hour while workers removed the trees, cleared the debris and had the vehicles towed from the scene.
Shortly after 5 a.m., a 2002 Dodge Caravan driven by Jorge Navarro-Valdez, 56, of Salem, was eastbound on Highway 22E near milepost 5 when the van collided with a large tree that fell across the highway, blocking both lanes, troopers said.
Navarro-Valdez was taken by ambulance to Salem Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Other crashes were reported in the area related to fallen trees and debris caused by high winds and heavy rain.
The Salem Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Fire District, and ODOT assisted at the scenes.
One of the trees was reported to be about five feet in diameter.
High winds and rain are impacting some roads. Travelers using mountain passes should also check for possible chain / traction tire restrictions. Traffic updates for state highways and freeways available on ODOT’s website TripCheck.com.
