Two drivers injured, one critically, in three-vehicle head-on crash on Powell Butte Highway

One flown to Bend by Air Link; CCSO says seat belts, air bags likely saved several lives

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Two drivers were injured, one critically, in a three-vehicle head-on crash Thursday morning on the Powell Butte Highway west of Powell Butte that closed the road for about two hours, Crook County sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies and Crook County Fire and Rescue medics were dispatched shortly after 7 a.m. to the reported crash of two cars and a small SUV near milepost 7.5, close to the Alfalfa Market Road intersection, sheriff’s Sergeant Steve Hatcher said.

An investigation determined the SUV driver, a Prineville man, was heading east and left his lane of travel, traveling into the opposite lane and striking two oncoming cars driven by a Prineville man and woman.

The female driver was critically injured and flown by Life Flight helicopter to St. Charles Bend, while the SUV driver was taken there by ambulance, the sergeant said.

The sheriff’s office also was assisted by Redmond Fire and Rescue and Oregon State Police.

“CCSO would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the multitude of concerned citizens that stopped to assist the injured drivers and their occupants prior to our arrival,” Hatcher said in a news release.

“Please drive safely on our roadways, and always wear your seat belt,” the sergeant said, adding, “Several people’s lives were likely saved in this incident due to seat belts and air bags.”

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, Hatcher said “alcohol or impairing substances are not believed to be involved.”