One driver injured in 2-vehicle crash that shut down U.S. Highway 20 west of Santiam Pass for over an hour

(Update: Oregon State Police info)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A two-vehicle injury crash west of Santiam Pass shut U.S. Highway 20 late Sunday afternoon for over an hour while first responders treated those involved and an air ambulance landed at the scene.

Oregon State Police said they responded around 4:30 p.m. to the crash at milepost 79, about two miles west of the Santiam Pass summit.

Troopers said a silver Hyundai Accent left its lane and struck a gray Toyota 4-Runner. The Toyota driver was unhurt while the Hyundai driver was taken to St. Charles Bend.

ODOT’s TripCheck indicated motorists were advised to use an alternate route.

Westbound traffic on the highway quickly backed up past the entrance to Hoodoo Ski Area. Driver Brandi Stambaugh said they had not moved for over an hour as of 5:30 p.m. and saw at least one, possibly two air ambulances circling before landing in the vicinity.

The highway was reopened before 6 p.m.