Driver killed in Highway 126 crash in Lane County

A driver was killed early New Year’s Day when an SUV left state Highway 126E in Lane County, crashed into a tree and caught fire, Oregon State Police reported.

Troopers from the Springfield Area Command responded around 2:35 a.m. Monday to the fatal crash near milepost 48.5, Sgt. Jeff Proulx said.

A preliminary investigation indicated a green Nissan Pathfinder was heading east when,. for an unknown reason, the driver lost control and crossed over the westbound lane of travel and off the road, striking a tree and catching on fire.

The driver, alone in the SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene by responding fire and medical personnel.

Highway 126E was limited intermittently to one lane of travel during the investigation by OSP crash reconstruction personnel.

Proulx said troopers were working to identify the driver and notify the family.

OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and Upper McKenzie Rural Fire personnel